We Need Players Who Can Score: Coach Marquez on Chhetri’s Return
The news of Sunil Chhetri’s return to the Indian national team has sent shockwaves across the football fraternity. The 39-year-old stalwart had announced his retirement from international football last year, but a change of heart has seen him don the blue jersey once again. Chhetri’s return has been hailed as a boost for the team, especially ahead of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers. However, speaking to the media, India football team head coach Manolo Marquez emphasized the importance of having players who can score goals.
“We need players who can score goals,” Marquez stated, highlighting the team’s struggles in front of goal. Under his tenure, India have managed to score only two goals in four games, a worrying trend that needs to be addressed. The coach’s words are music to the ears of fans who have been crying out for a more attacking brand of football from the team.
Marquez’s comments come ahead of India’s opener against Bangladesh in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers. The team’s performance in the tournament will be crucial in determining their prospects for the 2027 edition of the Asian Cup. With Chhetri’s return, the team will be hoping to inject some much-needed firepower into their attack.
The Indian national team has struggled to find the back of the net in recent times. In their last four games under Marquez, they have managed to score only two goals, with one of them coming in a 2-1 win over Qatar in a friendly match. The team’s inability to score goals has been a major concern, and Marquez is aware of the need to address this issue.
“At this moment, the most important thing is to get results,” Marquez said, highlighting the pressure to deliver results. With Chhetri’s return, the team will be hoping to get the much-needed boost to their attack. The veteran forward has been instrumental in India’s success in the past, and his experience and skill will be invaluable in the upcoming qualifiers.
Chhetri’s return has also sparked hope among fans that the team will be able to score more goals and be more competitive in the tournament. His experience and leadership will be crucial in guiding the team through the qualifiers, and his ability to score crucial goals will be a massive boost.
However, Marquez is aware that Chhetri’s return is not a magic solution to the team’s problems. The coach is keen to see the other players in the team step up and contribute to the team’s goal-scoring efforts. “We need players who can score goals, not just Chhetri,” Marquez emphasized, highlighting the need for a collective effort from the team.
The team’s attacking woes have been a major concern for fans and experts alike. The team’s lack of creativity and penetration in the final third has been a major issue, and Marquez is aware of the need to address this. The coach has been working on the team’s attacking strategy and is keen to see the players implement their game plan on the pitch.
Chhetri’s return has also raised questions about the team’s future plans. With the 39-year-old set to play in the upcoming qualifiers, fans are wondering what the team’s plans are for the future. Will Chhetri be part of the team’s long-term plans, or is his return a short-term fix?
Marquez’s comments have shed some light on the team’s plans. “We need players who can score goals, not just Chhetri,” the coach emphasized, highlighting the need for a plan beyond the veteran forward. The team’s focus will be on developing young players and creating a strong pool of talent that can carry the team forward in the future.
In conclusion, Coach Marquez’s comments on Chhetri’s return are music to the ears of fans who have been crying out for a more attacking brand of football from the team. Chhetri’s return will undoubtedly be a boost to the team’s morale and attacking efforts, but Marquez is aware of the need for a collective effort from the team. The coach’s words have also shed some light on the team’s future plans, with a focus on developing young players and creating a strong pool of talent.
