India international Sahal Abdul Samad opens up on Igor Stimac’s attacking philosophy

Indian football team midfielder Sahal Abdul Samad has been crucial to Igor Stimac’s plans in the SAFF Championships. The young midfielder discussed the positive mindset of all the players in the camp who are focused on defending the SAFF Championships.

Although he is yet to find the target in the competition, he has been a very vital cog’s Stimac’s plans. Therefore he highlights the trust and belief that he has earned from the coach.

“It’s important to have trust and belief from the coach, and I’m trying my best and also enjoying the moment,” Sahal stated at the press conference.

India have started the tournament on a high with two wins over Pakistan and Nepal. But the real test lies against Kuwait. Al-Azraq are unbeaten in their last few matches and will be looking the stretch the Indian defence. However, Sahal clarifies that there is no added pressure regarding the game.

He admits that it won’t be a cakewalk to defend the SAFF Championships this year but the team understands that there is no added pressure on them. “The most difficult part is to defend the trophy, but there is no pressure at all because we have a good bunch of players, and everyone has the experience. Young talents are coming up,” he added.

India have defended really well in recent matches as they have scored 14 goals in the last eight matches while keeping a clean sheet in all of them. Sahal highlighted how an attacking mindset also helps them in defence as Stimac’s philosophy suggests them to attack and score goals. “The coach needs progressive football as much as possible, to move forward and try to score goals,” stated Sahal.

Despite playing an attacking and more possession-based style, Sunil Chhetri has scored the most goals for the Blue Tigers. India have tried several players but none of them have come close to Chhetri.

Speaking on Chhetri’s dependency, Sahal highlighted how they are happy to have him but the coach wants to over-rely on him always. He believes the change will take time but in coming years, he believes other players will also take an active part in scoring goals.

“The coach has asked us to change that. We need to start scoring goals not just with one player, (obviously referring to Sunil Chhetri). We are happy to have him, and we have started the process. It will not change suddenly, but I think in the upcoming years, we can expect a change from the team, and currently, we are really happy with the way we are going,” the Kerala Blasters star revealed.

He also shared his admiration for Chhetri sharing how he has been always supportive. ”Chhetri, being the senior-most player and the captain of the side, has always been supportive towards other players.”

India have done well up until now but their real test will be against the heavyweights Kuwait, who have defeated UAE in recent times and since their loss against Qatar, Kuwait are unbeaten in their last seven games. So it will be a very tough test for Igor Stimac’s men.