We need players who can score: Coach Marquez on Chhetri’s return
The Indian football team is set to face Bangladesh in their opening match of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers, and the return of Sunil Chhetri has brought a sigh of relief to the fans. However, coach Manolo Marquez has stressed that the team needs players who can score goals, not just rely on individual brilliance.
In an interview, Marquez acknowledged Chhetri’s return as a boost to the team’s morale, but emphasized that the onus is on the players to deliver results. “At this moment, the most important thing is to get results,” he stated. The Indian team has struggled to find the back of the net under Marquez, managing only two goals in their last four games.
Chhetri’s return is a significant development, considering the team’s lack of goalscoring prowess. The Indian captain has been in fine form in recent times, and his presence will undoubtedly bring a sense of stability to the team’s attacking lineup. However, Marquez is clear that Chhetri’s return alone will not be enough to guarantee success.
“We need players who can score goals, not just rely on Sunil Chhetri or any other individual player,” Marquez emphasized. “We need a team effort, and we need players who can create scoring opportunities and finish them off.” This sentiment is echoed by the team’s fans, who have been critical of the team’s lack of attacking flair in recent times.
The Indian team’s struggles in front of goal have been well-documented, with many of their games ending in draws or narrow wins. The lack of goalscoring ability has been attributed to a number of factors, including the team’s reliance on individual brilliance and a lack of cohesion in the attacking third.
Marquez’s emphasis on the need for a team effort is a welcome change of pace, as it suggests that he is willing to work with the players to develop a cohesive attacking strategy. This approach is likely to be more effective in the long run, as it will allow the team to build momentum and create scoring opportunities through a combination of individual and collective effort.
The return of Chhetri will undoubtedly bring a sense of excitement to the team’s fans, but Marquez is clear that the team needs to work together to achieve success. “We need to create a team that is capable of scoring goals, not just relying on individual players,” he stated.
Marquez’s comments also highlight the need for the team to develop a more clinical edge in front of goal. The Indian team has struggled to convert their chances into goals, and this has often proved to be the difference between winning and losing.
Chhetri’s return will undoubtedly bring a sense of stability to the team’s attacking lineup, but Marquez is clear that the team needs to work together to achieve success. “We need to create a team that is capable of scoring goals, not just relying on individual players,” he stated.
The Indian team’s opening match against Bangladesh will be a crucial test of their attacking prowess. Chhetri’s return will undoubtedly bring a sense of excitement to the fans, but Marquez is clear that the team needs to work together to achieve success.
As the team prepares to face Bangladesh, Marquez’s emphasis on the need for a team effort is a welcome change of pace. The Indian team has struggled to find the back of the net in recent times, but with Chhetri’s return and a renewed focus on teamwork, there is reason to believe that the team can turn things around.
