This is a massive moment for India: Chhetri
Following His Side’s Entry To The AFC Cup Final, JSW Sports Sat Down With Bengaluru FC Skipper Sunil Chhetri To Talk About The History Made And More…
On his side’s win over Johor Darul Ta’zim in the semifinals…
It was a massive win. We had played Johor four times before that and it was the first time we had even taken the lead. But on that day, it wasn’t just the 11 players on the field or the technical staff on the sidelines. I’ve watched the reruns of that game on TV and I’m convinced that the fans gave us the push that sealed the win. At 1-0 down, they didn’t stop singing and it really motivated us to go and get that equalizer. We’re glad things panned out the way it did, but a lot of credit goes to the twenty one thousand odd people who were at the game and I am really thankful to them.
On looking forward to the final against Iraqi Air Force Club…
I said this right after the semifinal as well. We’re looking forward to the final just like any other game. It’s a final so the tactics and the formations might change a bit but the instructions have always been the same from the coach; to go out and be brave. We’ve never faced a side from the Middle East before and that’s what makes it even more challenging. But at this club it has always been about going against the odds and coming out on top and that’s what we’ll try to do once again in Doha.
On the mood in the camp ahead of the big game…
The players are confident and really looking forward to the final. For most of us, especially the younger players, this is the biggest game we’ve ever played in our careers but we can’t let the moment get to us. We’ll just keep our heads down and continue to work hard on the training pitch and hopefully, on the fifth, we can put out a performance that’s worthy of a final and good enough to win the Cup.
On his wonder goal from 30 yards against Johor in the semifinals…
I’ve been blessed to score some wonderful goals in my career and I’m really happy to have scored another one against Johor. I had some easier chances in the match, like when Vineeth set me up before the goal but I managed to miscue the shot. But that’s how it is in football, you’ve got to keep trying and maybe, you’ll succeed.
A message to all the supporters ahead of the big game in Doha…
This is a massive game, not just for Bengaluru or Karnataka. This is a massive moment for India as a country and when we go out on the pitch, we will do so knowing that we carry the hopes of a nation. I hope the Indian population in Doha comes out to support us, regardless of whether they follow the game or not because on November 5th, it’s more than just about football or glory. It’s about making India proud and as the banner at the Kanteerava said last week, together we can.
