In an exclusive chat with Khel Now, the winger spoke new national team tactician Igor Stimac.

Ahead of the upcoming King’s Cup, the Indian national team held their first training camp, at Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. After the acrimonious AFC Asian Cup exit, the Blue Tigers held their first official senior squad session, under new gaffer Igor Stimac.

The media interacted with Brandon Fernandes and Rahul Bheke, who received their first senior national team call-ups.

Watch: Brandon Fernandes speaks on sidelines of India training camp

Fernandes, who is currently plying his trade for FC Goa, has been part of the national team setup for quite sometime; having represented the junior outfits. The youngster thanked his well-wishers and especially FC Goa.

“I am very happy to be called up to the national team camp. The key was to play consistently, something which I did last season,” said Fernandes.

The 24-year-old has slowly become a pivotal figure to the Goan side’s success alongwith the likes of Jackichand Singh, Lenny Rodrigues, Ferran Corominas, and Edu Bedia. During the 2018-19 season, with FC Goa, he reached the ISL final, losing to Bengaluru FC in finals, and also winning the Super Cup.

He also quipped, “Sergio Lobera also told me that no matter how I play, I will need to perform consistently.”

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Igor Stimac recently got appointed as India’s head gaffer, after a long selection process, which consisted of the likes of Albert Roca. The Croatian is 1998 World Cup bronze medallist and has also managed The Vatreni in the past.

Regarding Stimac, the former Mumbai City player said, “He has a lot of experience, which is the most important. His immense experience itself speaks a lot about him. I think he can improve Indian football. It is still too early to judge him, but he is a very experienced coach, and will give us a lot of confidence.”

In the AFC Asian Cup, India were exciting at times, but for a majority of their matches, they looked devoid of ideas, especially in the final third. Being an attacking-minded player, Fernandes’ inclusion is a sign of changes to come in the national team, coupled with the likes of Michael Soosairaj and Jobby Justin.

“Hopefully I make it to the final roster for the King’s Cup. I will give in my best for the team. I will try and help the national team to score more goals, and create more goalscoring chances,” stated the attacking midfielder on a concluding note.