There is no active player in Indian football who can match Sunil Chhetri's credentials. The Indian talisman has won the I-League, the Federation Cup, has tested his skills in superior foreign leagues and is also the leading goal scorer for his country with 51 goals.
Despite his stature as "the best Indian footballer of his generation", a chance to play the AFC Cup final has been a dream so far. The 32-year-old now has golden chance to see his side, Bengaluru FC, through to that elusive summit clash.
"Iam confident. After the result we got at Johor, I want to think that the ball is in our court. And we are confident of our chances," said the Bengaluru skipper who is in his final phase of preparation before the big game.
Bengaluru take on defending champions Johor Darul Ta'zim is the second leg of the AFCCup semifinals on Wednesday. And with the hosts enjoying a slender advantage, thanks to a blinder by their midfield magician Euegenson Lyngdoh, Chhetri believes that his side is under no pressure. "The best part is that we took one game at a time so there is no pressure. Personally, I am very proud of where we have reached. I just want the boys to go, enjoy and play their football.
"Yes, the away goal is a confidence-booster. Imagine, if it was 1-0 to them, then we would be running behind that equaliser from the very first minute. But now it's a bit different. Not that we won't be looking to score and win the game, but there wouldn't be the extra pressure or the urgency to score that goal," he explained.
Apart from the away goal, Bengaluru could possibly enjoy an upper hand given that the Malaysians will be without three of their star strikers Jorge Pereyra Díaz, JuanLucero and Amri Yahyah, who are set to miss the tie due to suspension. But Chhetri believes not having them in the ranks would hardly make any difference as Johor has enough ammunition to challenge Bengaluru.
"I don't think that matters. They have all the best players in Malaysia. Well, it would have been if they were down to nine men against us, but unless that's the situation, no advantage whatsoever. Iremember the last time we played them in Malaysia (in the group stage), they fielded an all-Malaysian outfit and beat us 2-0. So there is no point in even thinking that they're less effective.
"Of course Díaz and Lucero are really good players, but they have the Malaysian striker (Safee Sali). They're definitely a good side. I don't think they're even concerned about the away goal. All they would be thinking about is to win the game onWednesday," the skipper pointed out.
There is no active player in Indian football who can match Sunil Chhetri’s credentials. The Indian talisman has won the I-League, the Federation Cup, has tested his skills in superior foreign leagues and is also the leading goal scorer for his country with 51 goals.
Despite his stature as "the best Indian footballer of his generation”, a chance to play the AFC Cup final has been a dream so far. The 32-year-old now has golden chance to see his side, Bengaluru FC, through to that elusive summit clash.
"I am confident. After the result we got at Johor, I want to think that the ball is in our court. And we are confident of our chances,” said the Bengaluru skipper who is in his final phase of preparation before the big game.
Bengaluru take on defending champions Johor Darul Ta’zim is the second leg of the AFC Cup semifinals on Wednesday. And with the hosts enjoying a slender advantage, thanks to a blinder by their midfield magician Euegenson Lyngdoh, Chhetri believes that his side is under no pressure. "The best part is that we took one game at a time so there is no pressure. Personally, I am very proud of where we have reached. I just want the boys to go, enjoy and play their football.
"Yes, the away goal is a confidence-booster. Imagine, if it was 1-0 to them, then we would be running behind that equaliser from the very first minute. But now it’s a bit different. Not that we won’t be looking to score and win the game, but there wouldn’t be the extra pressure or the urgency to score that goal,” he explained.
Apart from the away goal, Bengaluru could possibly enjoy an upper hand given that the Malaysians will be without three of their star strikers Jorge Pereyra DÍaz, Juan Lucero and Amri Yahyah, who are set to miss the tie due to suspension. But Chhetri believes not having them in the ranks would hardly make any difference as Johor has enough ammunition to challenge Bengaluru.
"I don’t think that matters. They have all the best players in Malaysia. Well, it would have been if they were down to nine men against us, but unless that’s the situation, no advantage whatsoever. I remember the last time we played them in Malaysia (in the group stage), they fielded an all-Malaysian outfit and beat us 2-0. So there is no point in even thinking that they’re less effective.
"Of course DÍaz and Lucero are really good players, but they have the Malaysian striker (Safee Sali). They’re definitely a good side. I don’t think they’re even concerned about the away goal. All they would be thinking about is to win the game on Wednesday,” the skipper pointed out.