Chief national coach Igor Stimac wants the packed Salt Lake Stadium will be roaring for the support of the Indian team during the all-important World Cup qualifier against Kuwait on 6th June. 

Speaking to the AIFF’s website, the chief national coach commented on Friday, “Having in mind the importance of the game - with us being perhaps only a win away from qualifying for the third round for the first time, and it being Sunil Chhetri's farewell game - we expect the Salt Lake Stadium to be packed.”

He continued, “I am sure that our supporters will reach Kolkata from all parts of India to help our boys win the game and say thanks and goodbye to Sunil. I am very confident it is going to be emotional and hopefully, we will find a way to celebrate together after the final whistle.”

On Friday night, Stimac trimmed his squad strength from 32 to 27 for the match against Kuwait. Phurba Lachenpa, Jithin MS, Imran Khan, Parthib Gogoi, and Muhammad Hammad were released from the camp. 

The Blue Tigers were originally supposed to depart for Kolkata on 2nd June, but have advanced their travel to Kolkata on 29th May to get a full week of stay in the city and adjust to the conditions better.

“It’s obviously hot and humid here, but we enjoy every training session. The facilities and hospitality are amazing here. But still, we have decided to leave for Kolkata a few days earlier than planned so we can adjust to the humidity better and prepare for the crucial game," opined Stimac.