Jobby Justin: Stimac making players physically and mentally stronger

"He (Igor Stimac) has laid down a tactical plan for everyone.," said Jobby Justin during the Indian national football team's preparatory camp for the King's Cup.

Indian footballer Jobby Justin at the national team's preparatory camp ahead of the King's Cup in Thailand.

Indian national football team head coach Igor Stimac is focussing on making his players “physically, mentally, and tactically stronger”, claims Jobby Justin who won his maiden national team call-up after Stimac's appointment. 

Speaking during a media interaction on the sidelines of the team's preparatory camp in Delhi ahead of the King's Cup in Thailand next month, Justin stated: "He (Igor Stimac) has laid down a tactical plan for everyone. He has spoken to us personally, mentioning what is expected from us."

“Personally I am learning day by day. I am getting stronger day by day. There are various aspects of a camp, the diet, discipline, training sessions, etc. I am learning much from the new coach. His training has made us united,” said Justin, who scored nine goals for East Bengal in the I-League last season.

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"I started my career as a wing-back,” he nodded. “But it was while playing for the departmental team, my coach starting fielding me in different positions. I found that very challenging, and thoroughly enjoyed it,” he explained. “Eventually after scoring some goals, he started using me as a striker, and it continued from thereon.”

Justin revealed coach Igor Stimac prefers to follow a strict diet regime. “The coach shares his playing as well as coaching experiences back in Croatia and tries to motivate us. He is very particular with the diet regime.”

He downplayed any comparisons between him and former IM Vijayan - one of the greatest Indian footballers of all time.

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“There is only one IM Vijayan. Every day I try to learn a trick or two from him. He has been kind enough to give me inputs. He is inspirational,” Justin maintained.

India opens its King's Cup campaign with a match against Curacao on June 5.