We Need Players Who Can Score: Coach Marquez on Chhetri’s Return
The Indian football team is set to take on Bangladesh in their AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers opener, and ahead of the crucial match, head coach Manolo Marquez has reiterated the importance of having players who can score goals. The team has struggled to find the back of the net, with only two goals scored in their four games under Marquez, and the coach is pinning his hopes on the return of talismanic striker Sunil Chhetri.
Chhetri, who has been out of international football for a while, has announced his decision to come out of retirement, and Marquez is thrilled to have the experienced striker back in the fold. “At this moment, the most important thing is to get results,” Marquez said in a recent interview. “We need players who can score goals, and with Sunil’s return, we’ll have someone who has a proven track record of scoring goals at the international level.”
Marquez’s words are music to the ears of Indian football fans, who have been craving for a spark in the team’s attack. The team has been struggling to find consistency in their performances, and their inability to score goals has been a major concern. India has been relying heavily on their defense, and while they have been solid at the back, they need to start putting the ball in the net if they want to make a serious push for qualification.
The return of Chhetri is a massive boost for the team, and Marquez is confident that the striker will make an immediate impact. “Sunil is a world-class player, and his experience will be invaluable for us,” Marquez said. “He has a great understanding of the game, and he knows how to score goals. We need players like him who can take the pressure off the other players and give us a better chance of winning.”
Chhetri’s return is not just about adding numbers to the team’s attack, but also about providing a leadership figure on the pitch. The 38-year-old has been India’s go-to man in big games, and his experience and composure under pressure will be crucial in the upcoming qualifiers.
Marquez is aware that the team has a lot of work to do if they want to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup 2027, but he is optimistic about their chances. “We know that we have a tough road ahead of us, but we’re confident that we can get the job done,” Marquez said. “We’ve been working hard in training, and we’re starting to see the results. We just need to keep working hard and stay focused.”
The team has been working on their attacking gameplay, and Marquez is pleased with the progress they have made. “We’ve been focusing on our attacking play, and we’ve seen some positive signs,” Marquez said. “We need to be more clinical in front of goal, but we’re working on it. We’ve also been working on our set pieces, and we’re hoping to capitalize on those opportunities.”
India’s chances of qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 will depend on their ability to score goals, and Marquez is aware of the importance of having a strong attack. “Scoring goals is the most important thing in football, and we need to be able to score goals consistently,” Marquez said. “We’ve been working on our attacking play, and we’re hoping to see some improvement in that department.”
Marquez has also praised the team’s defense, which has been solid in their recent games. “Our defense has been excellent, and we’re grateful to have players like Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Chinglensana Singh who can marshal the backline,” Marquez said. “We need to keep working on our defense, but we’re happy with the way they’ve been performing.”
The Indian football team has a lot of expectations riding on their shoulders, and Marquez is aware of the pressure that comes with playing for the national team. “Playing for the national team is a huge responsibility, and we need to take that responsibility seriously,” Marquez said. “We need to give our best every time we step onto the pitch, and we need to make sure that we’re giving everything to the team.”
Marquez’s words are a testament to his commitment to the team and his desire to see them succeed. He has been working tirelessly to improve the team’s performance, and his efforts have been paying off. India’s chances of qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 will depend on their ability to score goals, and Marquez is confident that they have the right players to get the job done.
In conclusion, Marquez’s words are a reminder that the Indian football team needs players who can score goals if they want to achieve success. The return of Chhetri is a massive boost for the team, and Marquez is confident that the striker will make an immediate impact. India’s chances of qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 will depend on their ability to score goals, and Marquez is optimistic about their chances.
