We Need Players Who Can Score: Coach Marquez on Chhetri’s Return
India’s football team is set to take on Bangladesh in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers opener, and the return of Sunil Chhetri has brought a sense of optimism among fans and experts alike. The skipper’s announcement of coming out of retirement has been met with widespread enthusiasm, and the team’s head coach, Manolo Marquez, is pinning his hopes on the talismanic forward to deliver goals.
Speaking to the press ahead of the crucial fixture, Marquez emphasized the importance of scoring goals, citing the team’s struggles in finding the back of the net under his tenure. “At this moment, the most important thing is to get results,” the coach stated. “We need players who can score goals. We need a striker who can make a difference.”
India have managed to score just two goals in four games under Marquez, and the need for a clinical finisher has become increasingly pressing. Chhetri’s return is seen as a boost to the team’s attacking prowess, and Marquez is relying on the 39-year-old to bring a wealth of experience and goalscoring ability to the team.
The coach’s comments come at a time when India’s attacking department has been under scrutiny. The team has struggled to create clear-cut chances, and the lack of a natural finisher has been a major concern. Chhetri’s return is expected to change the dynamics of the team’s attack, and Marquez is eager to utilize the skipper’s skills to get the desired results.
Chhetri, who has been India’s all-time leading scorer with 72 goals, has been out of action for a while due to a combination of injuries and personal reasons. However, his decision to come out of retirement has sent a positive signal to the team and fans alike. The forward’s experience and know-how will be invaluable in the Qualifiers, and Marquez is confident that Chhetri will make an immediate impact.
“We need players who can score goals, and Sunil is one of the best strikers we have in the country,” Marquez said. “He has a lot of experience, and he knows how to score goals. We need him to be clinical in front of goal.”
Chhetri’s return has also brought a sense of stability to the team’s attack, which has been in flux in recent times. The forward’s partnership with other strikers like Ishan Dey and Vikram Pratap Singh could be crucial in the Qualifiers, and Marquez is looking forward to seeing the trio in action.
“Sunil’s presence will give us a lot of confidence upfront,” the coach said. “We need players who can create chances, and Sunil is one of the best in the business. He will give us a lot of options upfront, and we can build our game around him.”
The Indian team has faced criticism for their lack of ambition and attacking flair under Marquez, but the coach is adamant that the players are working hard to improve their game. “We are working on our attacking play, and we are trying to create more chances,” he said. “We need to be more clinical in front of goal, and Sunil’s return will give us a boost in that department.”
In conclusion, Marquez’s comments on Chhetri’s return highlight the importance of scoring goals in international football. India’s struggles in front of goal have been well-documented, and the coach is relying on the talismanic forward to bring a winning mentality to the team. With Chhetri back in the fold, India’s chances of success in the Qualifiers have improved significantly, and Marquez is confident that the forward will make an immediate impact.
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