Harpal Singh Bedi
New Delhi:  Striker  Jobby  Justin  on Tuesday hailed new national football coach  Igor Stimac  saying  his training  has made   ” us physically, mentally, and tactically stronger.”
Talking to  media  on the sidelines of the National Team’s preparatory camp in Delhi, 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,”
 “Obviously that’s something which I can’t share, it’s solely for us,” Justin,  who along with Sunil Chhetri finished as top Indian goalscorer finished on 9 goals each in the last season ,said
Even as the Blue Tigers had a double session at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium , Justin disclosed that  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.”
The  Indian team has  been training in the Capital for the forthcoming King’s Cup to be held in  Thailand. India play Curacao in the tournament opener on June 5.
“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,”
At the same time, Justin made it clear that there’s no room for any comparison between him and ‘maestro’ IM Vijayan, who is arguably one of the greatest Indian footballers of all time.
“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 opined
Not many stay aware that during his wee days Jobby used to play as a wing-back, and not as a striker. “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.”