We Need Players Who Can Score: Coach Marquez on Chhetri’s Return
The news of Sunil Chhetri coming out of retirement ahead of India’s AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers opener against Bangladesh has sent shockwaves through the Indian football fraternity. The 39-year-old veteran striker has been a stalwart for the Indian national team, and his return has raised hopes of a resurgence in the team’s fortunes. However, speaking to the press, India’s head coach Manolo Marquez emphasized the need for players who can score goals, a area where the team has struggled under his tenure.
“We need players who can score goals,” Marquez stated unequivocally. “At this moment, the most important thing is to get results.” India has managed to score just two goals in four games under Marquez, and the coach’s words serve as a clarion call to his players to step up their goal-scoring prowess.
Chhetri’s return is a significant boost for India, given his incredible goal-scoring record. With 84 international goals to his name, Chhetri is India’s all-time leading scorer, and his experience and composure in front of goal will be invaluable to the team. His return also raises questions about the team’s strategy and formation, with Marquez likely to experiment with different combinations to get the best out of his players.
The need for goal-scorers is particularly acute in the context of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers. India has been drawn in a tough group alongside Bahrain, Kuwait, and Bangladesh, and the team will need to win at least three games to qualify for the tournament. The pressure is on Marquez and his players to deliver, and Chhetri’s return is a welcome boost to their chances.
Marquez’s emphasis on the need for goal-scorers is also a reflection of the team’s struggles in front of goal. India has been creating chances but has failed to convert them into goals, a trend that needs to be reversed if the team is to achieve success. The coach’s words serve as a wake-up call to his players, who need to be more clinical and efficient in front of goal.
The return of Chhetri also raises questions about the team’s balance and chemistry. Marquez has been experimenting with different formations and players, but the team’s lack of cohesion and understanding has been a major concern. Chhetri’s experience and ability to link up with other players will be crucial in helping the team gel and find its rhythm.
India’s goal-scoring woes are not limited to the national team. The Indian Super League (ISL) has also struggled to produce goal-scorers, with many teams relying on foreign players to score goals. The lack of Indian goal-scorers has been a major concern, and the return of Chhetri is a welcome development in this regard.
In conclusion, Marquez’s words serve as a clarion call to his players to step up their goal-scoring prowess. The return of Chhetri is a significant boost to the team’s chances, and the coach’s emphasis on the need for goal-scorers is a reflection of the team’s struggles in front of goal. As India prepares to take on Bangladesh in their AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers opener, the team’s ability to score goals will be crucial in determining their chances of success.
