We Need Players Who Can Score: Coach Marquez on Chhetri’s Return
The news of Sunil Chhetri’s return to the Indian national team ahead of their AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers opener against Bangladesh has sent shockwaves of excitement throughout the football community. Chhetri, the all-time leading scorer for the national team, had previously announced his retirement from international football in May 2022. However, it seems that the 39-year-old has had a change of heart, and his experience and expertise will be invaluable for the team as they face the Qualifiers.
Speaking about Chhetri’s return, India football team head coach Manolo Marquez emphasized the importance of having players who can score goals. In the four games under his tenure, India have managed to score just two goals, which is a cause for concern. Marquez acknowledged that results are the priority at the moment and that they need players who can deliver in the final third.
“At this moment, the most important thing is to get results,” Marquez said in a recent interview. “We need players who can score goals. We need to be more clinical in front of the goal. We have been working on that, and now it’s time to see some results.”
Marquez’s comments are a clear indication that India’s lack of goalscoring prowess has been a major concern for him. Despite having some talented players in the squad, India have struggled to find the back of the net consistently. This has been a major issue in their recent performances, and Marquez is determined to address it.
The Spanish coach has been working with the team since June 2022, and his objective is clear – to take the team to the AFC Asian Cup 2027 and make a significant impact in the tournament. To achieve this, he knows that they need to be more clinical in front of goal.
One of the primary reasons for India’s struggles in front of goal is the lack of a natural finisher. The team has been relying on midfielders and wingers to score goals, which is not their primary role. Marquez is aware of this issue and has been working on finding a solution.
“We are working on creating more scoring opportunities and also on converting them,” Marquez said. “We have been analyzing our games, and we have identified the areas where we can improve. We are working on that, and I am confident that we will see some positive changes.”
Chhetri’s return can be seen as a significant boost to India’s chances of success in the Qualifiers. The veteran striker has an incredible record for the national team, with 84 goals in 123 appearances. His experience and expertise will be invaluable for the team, particularly in the final third.
Marquez has been impressed with Chhetri’s enthusiasm and work ethic during the training sessions, and he is confident that the veteran striker will make an impact on the pitch.
“Sunil is a legend, and we are happy to have him back,” Marquez said. “He has been working very hard in training, and I am confident that he will make a difference. He has a lot of experience, and he knows how to score goals. We are looking forward to having him on the pitch.”
India’s opening game against Bangladesh will be a crucial one, and Marquez is determined to make a positive start. He knows that the team needs to be clinical in front of goal and create scoring opportunities. Chhetri’s return will undoubtedly give them a major boost, and the team is looking forward to having him on the pitch.
In conclusion, Marquez’s comments highlight the importance of having players who can score goals. India’s lack of goalscoring prowess has been a major concern, and the coach is determined to address it. Chhetri’s return is a significant boost, and the team is looking forward to having him on the pitch. As India face the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers, Marquez and his team are ready to take on the challenge and make a positive impact.
