We Need Players Who Can Score: Coach Marquez on Chhetri’s Return
In a boost to the Indian football team’s chances in the upcoming AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers, ace striker Sunil Chhetri has announced his return from retirement. The 39-year-old has been a key player for the team over the years and has scored numerous crucial goals. His return has sent shockwaves of excitement through the Indian football fraternity, and fans are eagerly waiting to see him back in action.
However, speaking to the media ahead of their opener against Bangladesh, India football team head coach Manolo Marquez emphasized that Chhetri’s return is not the only solution to the team’s goal-scoring woes. “At this moment, the most important thing is to get results,” he stated. “We need players who can score goals. We have been working on that, and we will continue to do so.”
India’s recent form has been dismal, with the team managing to score only two goals in their last four matches under Marquez. This has raised concerns about the team’s attacking prowess, and Marquez’s words suggest that he is aware of the issue.
The Indian team has been struggling to find the back of the net consistently, and it has been a major area of concern for the coach. In the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, India managed to score only three goals in 16 matches, which is a dismal record. The team’s lack of clinical finishing has been a major reason for this, and Marquez has been working on improving their attacking prowess.
Chhetri’s return is a significant boost to the team’s chances, and his experience and expertise will be invaluable in the Qualifiers. The captain has been India’s most successful and prolific goal-scorer, with 84 goals in 123 matches. His knowledge of the game and his ability to read the opposition’s defense will be crucial in breaking down the Bangladesh defense.
However, Marquez’s words suggest that Chhetri’s return is not a guarantee of success. The coach is emphasizing the need for other players to step up and contribute to the team’s goal-scoring efforts. This is a wise approach, as relying too heavily on one player can be a recipe for disaster.
The Indian team has a young and talented squad, and it’s time for some of these players to step up and make a name for themselves. Players like Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Udanta Singh, and Bipin Singh have shown flashes of brilliance in the past, and it’s time for them to deliver consistently.
Marquez has been working on the team’s attacking strategy, and it’s expected that the team will adopt a more attacking philosophy in the Qualifiers. This will require the players to be more aggressive and take more risks in the final third.
In conclusion, while Chhetri’s return is a significant boost to the Indian team’s chances, it’s not the only solution to their goal-scoring woes. The team needs players who can score goals, and it’s time for some of the young and talented players to step up and deliver. Marquez’s words are a clear indication that he is aware of the issue and is working on finding a solution.
As the Indian team gears up for their opener against Bangladesh, fans are eagerly waiting to see Chhetri back in action. However, it’s not just about Chhetri; it’s about the team’s ability to score goals consistently and deliver results.
