Xtra Time Web Desk: The 27-member Indian Senior National Team squad along with Head Coach Igor Stimac reached Dubai safely on Sunday. The Blue Tigers are scheduled to play two International Friendlies against Oman (March 25) and UAE (March 29). The team will have its first practice session on Monday evening.
Midfielder Anirudh Thapa stated that everyone met with “great fondness”.
“It’s always great to be back at the National camp. All the players met each other with great fondness. Although we have been seeing each other during the Hero Indian Super League, it’s always great to be together under the great umbrella – that is the National Team,” Thapa said to AIFF website.
“It was great to see the coach after a long time as well. He congratulated us on our performances in the League, and insisted on carrying those performances forward for our upcoming Friendlies,” Thapa added.
Lalengmawia, adjudged the Emerging Player of the Hero Indian Super League 2020-21, mentioned that the coach “urged all to work hard, and with discipline”.
“The coach greeted us and made all the new players comfortable. He told us to work hard, and with much discipline. I am looking forward to the training sessions,” Lalengmawia, fondly referred to as Aupia, expressed.
The weather in Dubai has been pleasant and with a predicted maximum temperature of around 29 degrees and a minimum of around 21 degrees.
Akash Mishra, who has been a real sensation in the Indian Super League said that the “coach made us aware of the significance of the forthcoming matches”.
“Stimac-sir urged everyone to work without any pressure. He made us so comfortable. But he asked us to focus on the job ahead,” Mishra maintained.
The Blue Tigers had last played an International fixture in November 2019 when they played in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Qualifiers.
Courtesy: AIFF Media