Igor Stimac meets the Queen
The former Derby and West Ham defender was sent off in the last eight against the Germans – and he’s definitely not over it
You represented Croatia at Euro 96 – their first major tournament. What was that like? An unforgettable mixture of pride, excitement and responsibility. We’d only played friendlies for more than four years – we’d been waiting for FIFA and UEFA to finally let us take part in qualifying games. But we grew up as a team during that waiting period, and we knew how good we could become. Hearing our national anthem for the very first time at such a huge tournament was unbelievable, and such great feelings never go away. Being part of a historic moment was amazing.
Was there a fierce pride in playing for your nation, after what had happened in the war just before that?
It didn’t happen overnight – there were many signs of the upcoming break-up of Yugoslavia. Representing Croatia in the war years was our biggest opportunity to attract attention from the world and promote our young nation. We also knew our positive results could help raise confidence on the front lines, where our fellow countrymen fought Serbian aggressors. What do you remember about your Euro 96 opener against Turkey at the City Ground? There was big pressure on us before that first match. Of course, everybody wanted us to do well and win, against a Turkey side who were physical and tough to play against. Thankfully, we beat them 1-0 with a late goal after Aljosa Asanovic’s fantastic through-ball and Goran Vlaovic’s great run and finish.
Five days later, you thumped Denmark 3-0... After taking all three points against Turkey, we were in a position to relax and start dreaming big. The next game was against Denmark, the reigning champions, and that was the match
we enjoyed so much. They were a great team, but playing such open and offensive football against us was suicidal. Davor Suker got two goals and assisted another for Zvonimir Boban – we were through to the quarter-finals after only two group games.
You lost to Germany in the last eight, with their winner coming shortly after you were sent off. How upset were you?
That match against Germany was one where we learned that being better on the pitch isn’t enough if the ‘man in black’ has a day off. Very poor refereeing decisions stopped us reaching the semis that day, and probably winning the whole tournament. But we knew that our time to prove how good we were would come, and we did it at the 1998 World Cup.
You were already playing for Derby County when Euro 96 came around, and you later joined West Ham. What are your memories of English football?
They were the most enjoyable six years of my career – playing for great clubs like Derby and West Ham and taking part in Croatia’s success at Euro 96 and France 98. It was definitely the best part of my professional career.
How did your 1995 move to Derby happen? I’d had a fantastic season with my hometown club, Hajduk Split. We won all the trophies that were available that season and played Ajax in the Champions League quarter-finals. That led to interest from a lot of clubs, and I eventually decided to sign for Derby.
Derby won promotion to the Premier League in your first season – how special was that? I signed for Derby at the end of October 1995. At first, the season didn’t look too promising. They had already played about 17 games and, if I remember it well, were 17th – much closer to relegation than dreaming about promotion. But suddenly a few things helped us turn our form around. We went 20 matches unbeaten, finished 2nd and gained automatic promotion. Jim Smith’s decision to switch from four at the back to three, with me playing in my natural role as sweeper, was a turning point – as was Dean Sturridge’s return from injury.
Which Derby matches are your favourites? The final home game of the promotion season against Crystal Palace, then the following year we played the last-ever match at the historic Baseball Ground. After that, the Queen came to open our new stadium. My daughter Dea was born during that time too, and I have special memories of my relationship with Jim Smith, Steve Mcclaren, my team-mates and especially the Derby supporters.
I’ll keep them in my heart for the rest of my life.
How did your transfer to
West Ham come about?
Moving to West Ham was another great challenge for me. I decided to leave Derby after feeling a lack of respect for how much I’d done in the past and not feeling comfortable with the new approach in the transfer market. I didn’t want to be part of something I thought might end with a relegation. Jim told me about Harry Redknapp’s interest, so I chose to leave. Redknapp and Smith were good friends, so did that make the move easier?
Of course, it was helpful in that moment. I can say I was blessed to work with two managers like them – they were both old-school English managers and you don’t find such characters any more. It’s something I miss when I follow the Premier League now. I remember how Jim used to be on his toes when I was overplaying in dangerous areas, but the fans loved it. That was funny – thank God we never got punished! Harry was so similar to Jim. I remember how he’d try to keep everything in order, especially when Christmas parties were going on... What are your other highlights during your time at West Ham?
We had a great team in 1999-00, built around experience and talented youngsters. I enjoyed every moment and remember the team well: Shaka Hislop in goal, then me, Rio Ferdinand and Ian Pearce at the back, with Neil Ruddock and Javier Margas sometimes coming in. Then Trevor Sinclair right, Marc Keller and later Nigel Winterburn left. Frank Lampard, Steve Lomas, Michael Carrick, Marc-vivien Foe, John Moncur and Joe Cole competed in the middle. Upfront we had Paolo Di Canio, Paulo Wanchope and later Fredi Kanoute, Davor Suker and Jermain Defoe... it was a joy to be involved in that team and be a part of the West Ham family.
You managed Croatia during qualifying for the 2014 World Cup, but got sacked by your former team-mate Davor Suker before the play-off. Were you angry with him about it? Yes, I was very angry because we achieved our goals while playing in a negative environment at that time. Instead of backing me after going through hell in qualifying, they didn’t. I’m very proud of what we achieved, leading Croatia in the most difficult group with Belgium, Serbia, Scotland, Wales and Macedonia.
You’ve been linked with the Derby job in the past – would you be keen one day?
There aren’t many things I feel sorry about in my career, but not accepting Derby’s job offer in 2012 or 2013 is one of them, for sure. Back then, I was only thinking about trying to lead Croatia to the World Cup in Brazil.
You’re now the manager of India – how are you finding that experience?
I’m enjoying every second. We’re working on creating a legacy – many projects are in progress to get India to the World Cup. We’re improving slowly and want to be among the contenders to reach the 2026 World Cup in North America. Recently, the City Football Group bought a majority stake in Indian club side Mumbai City FC, and that’s a clear sign of how things are starting to change with football in the country.