“India team won’t need a Sunil Chhetri to make a difference.” quipps captain Sunil before Bangladesh clash

by Rounak Majumdar October 14, 2019

The leader of Indian football,  Sunil Chhetri, who already has 72 international goals to his name in 112 matches believes that India Team doesn’t require him when the Blue Tigers face Bangladesh tomorrow (Tuesday, October 15, 2019).

“India team won’t need a Sunil Chhetri to make a difference. I’m just a little bit luckier and a little bit more experienced. I’m not trying to be cliché, it’s a fact,” Chhetri mentioned in the pre-match press conference ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 Joint Qualifier at the VYBK Stadium, Kolkata on Tuesday.

On being informed that Bangladesh defenders are planning to heavily mark him, “That’s the plan, we might also have a cup of tea on the field together” came his witty reply instantaneously!

“If three people mark me, even four, we’ll be happy. We can gather and have a chat” he quipped.

“It’ll be 10 vs 6, and we’ll get a numerical advantage. You need to understand that it’s not only about me. Manvir, Balwant, Udanta, Ashique all are way better than me. You’ll see it tomorrow,” the 35-year-old added.

Coach Igor Stimac brushed off the ‘favourites’ tag and stressed on the compatibility and the combination of the team during the pre-match press conference.

“Being favourite doesn’t matter on the matchday. You need to step up and perform on the pitch. It’s 11 vs 11. In a football match, there are always favourites and underdogs,” Stimac added, “You have to respect your teammates. You need to sacrifice yourself for the team – that’s how a team is built and that’s how we have started our work. What I can do for the team is of paramount importance.”

Meanwhile, he showed immense respect for the upcoming opponents. Bangladesh played with heart against Asian champions Qatar four days before (October 10, 2019).

“They played with a great heart and created quite a few chances against Qatar. They deserved to win the game. We need to step up and get all three points tomorrow,” he continued.

He further stated, “With regards to the game, lots of passion will be involved tomorrow. We have shown great organisation and discipline on the pitch. On our day, we can play against anyone.”

“Tomorrow’s game is absolutely different from the first two. No one counted on us. I feel the pressure is on us and we need to work to release the kind of pressure from us. We just need to win the game and give us a chance for November. Let’s wait and see what our boys can do tomorrow.”

The Blue Tigers will have back-to-back away fixtures against Afghanistan and Oman on November 14 and 19, 2019 respectively.

The India vs Bangladesh match will be telecast live on Star Sports network and streamed live on Hotstar and Jio TV. The match is slated to be played from 7:30 PM IST.

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