We Need Players Who Can Score: Coach Marquez on Chhetri’s Return
The Indian football team is gearing up for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers opener against Bangladesh, and the return of Sunil Chhetri has brought a fresh wave of excitement among fans. The legendary striker has come out of retirement, and his inclusion in the squad is expected to boost the team’s chances of success. However, coach Manolo Marquez has made it clear that the team needs more than just Chhetri’s presence to achieve their goals. In a recent interview, Marquez emphasized the importance of players who can score goals, highlighting the team’s struggles in front of the net.
India has managed to score only two goals in four games under Marquez, and the coach acknowledged that the team’s attacking prowess needs improvement. “At this moment, the most important thing is to get results,” Marquez stated. “We need players who can score goals. We have a good defense, but if we don’t score, we can’t win games.”
Marquez’s comments come at a time when the Indian team is struggling to find its footing in the international arena. Despite having a talented squad, the team has failed to live up to expectations, and the return of Chhetri is seen as a much-needed boost. The 39-year-old striker is India’s all-time leading scorer with 84 goals, and his experience and clinical finishing ability are expected to be a valuable asset for the team.
However, Marquez is not relying solely on Chhetri to turn things around. He believes that the team needs a more comprehensive approach to scoring goals. “We need players who can create chances and score goals. We need players who can play as a team and work together to create scoring opportunities,” he said.
Marquez’s words are music to the ears of Indian fans, who have been frustrated with the team’s inability to score goals. The team’s attacking play has been criticized for being too predictable, with opponents often parking the bus and defending deep. Marquez’s emphasis on the need for players who can create chances and score goals suggests that he is willing to experiment with different formations and tactics to get the best out of his players.
One of the key areas where India needs improvement is in its midfield. The team has lacked a creative spark in the middle of the park, and Marquez is expected to look for players who can provide width and deliver crosses into the box. The return of Chhetri could also lead to a change in the team’s attacking strategy, with the striker likely to be used as a target man to bring others into play.
Despite the challenges, Marquez remains optimistic about India’s chances in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers. “We have a good team, and I think we have a good chance of qualifying for the Asian Cup,” he said. “We need to work hard and take things one game at a time. We need to improve our attacking play, but I think we can do it.”
The return of Chhetri has undoubtedly brought a new level of excitement to the Indian team, and Marquez’s words suggest that the coach is willing to give his all to ensure the team’s success. As the team prepares to take on Bangladesh in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers opener, fans are eagerly anticipating a more attacking brand of football from the Indian team. With Chhetri leading the charge, Marquez’s emphasis on the need for players who can score goals could be the catalyst for a turnaround in the team’s fortunes.
