We Need Players Who Can Score: Coach Marquez on Chhetri’s Return
The Indian football team has received a massive boost ahead of their AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers opener against Bangladesh, with the news of Sunil Chhetri coming out of retirement. The 39-year-old talismanic forward has been a vital cog in the Indian setup, and his return has raised hopes of a turnaround in the team’s fortunes. However, India football team head coach Manolo Marquez has emphasized the need for players who can score goals, as the team has struggled to find the back of the net in recent times.
Under Marquez, India have managed to score just two goals in four games, and the coach is aware that this lack of firepower is a major concern. “At this moment, the most important thing is to get results,” Marquez stated in a recent interview. “We need players who can score goals, and we need them to score goals consistently.”
Chhetri’s return has certainly brought a sense of excitement and optimism to the Indian camp, but Marquez is not getting carried away just yet. He knows that the team still has a long way to go to become a consistent goal-scoring unit. “We have worked on our attacking play, but we still need to improve,” Marquez said. “We need to create more chances and convert them into goals. That’s the only way we can get results.”
India’s struggles in front of goal have been a major talking point in recent times, and Marquez is well aware of the problem. The team has lacked a clinical finisher, and this has often led to disappointing draws and losses. However, with Chhetri’s return, Marquez hopes that the team will have a more potent attacking threat.
Chhetri’s experience and know-how are invaluable, and Marquez believes that the 39-year-old can make a significant impact on the team’s fortunes. “Sunil is a great player, and he has the quality to score goals,” Marquez said. “He knows how to find space and create opportunities for himself and others. His experience will be crucial in helping us get results.”
Marquez is not the only one who believes that Chhetri’s return can make a difference. His teammates are also excited about the prospect of having the legendary forward back in the fold. “Sunil is a legend of Indian football, and his return is a massive boost for us,” said Indian midfielder Sandesh Jhingan. “He has the ability to change games, and we are all excited to have him back.”
However, Marquez is aware that Chhetri’s return is not a guarantee of success. The team still needs to work on their overall game plan and strategy to become a consistent winner. “We need to work on our attacking play, our midfield, and our defense,” Marquez said. “We need to be solid in all areas of the pitch to get results.”
The Indian team faces a tough task ahead, with a long and grueling qualifying campaign ahead of them. However, with Chhetri’s return, Marquez believes that the team has a better chance of achieving their goals. “We have a big challenge ahead of us, but with Sunil back in the team, we have a better chance of getting results,” Marquez said. “We need to work hard and stay focused to achieve our goals.”
In conclusion, Marquez’s emphasis on the need for players who can score goals is spot on. India’s struggles in front of goal have been a major concern, and Chhetri’s return is a welcome boost. However, the team still needs to work on their overall game plan and strategy to become a consistent winner. With Chhetri back in the fold, Marquez is confident that the team can achieve their goals and make a positive impact in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers.
