Asian Games: Sunil Chhetri appeals for best possible squad

India captain Sunil Chhetri and coach Igor Stimac have joined forces to send the best possible team to the Asian Games.

In a significant development concerning the Indian football team's participation in the Asian Games, skipper Sunil Chhetri and coach Igor Stimac are both attempting to make an extra effort to the Indian Super League clubs to release two players each, and in some cases one, based on the most recent list submitted by the coach to the AIFF.

Sunil Chhetri was the sole senior player selected as the AIFF formally announced the 17-man roster on 13 September for the 19th Asian Games, which will be contested in Hangzhou, China. As a result, there have been several arguments and disagreements regarding the selection of players and their release from the ISL teams for national duty.

The skipper Sunil Chhetri, is eager to create an impression in the Asian Games, but realizes that with the team as that is chosen, it will be very difficult. The coach and captain are unified in demanding that the clubs do this in the 'national interest' so that India may put it's best foot ahead.

What did Sunil Chhetri appeal?

According to a report coming from Hindustan Times, the Indian skipper claims that this team is the least prepared one he has ever been a part of. Taking foward on this Chhetri said, “Either the team doesn’t go, or we field the best possible team. Because it is the Asian Games.”

“I am not blaming anyone. We can do all that later. I am not taking a dig at anyone. I am going because my club wants me to, though (coach) Simon (Grayson) is not happy. And I cannot say no to playing for the country. But with no disrespect to anyone, I do not want to lose face,” he added.

He fruther said regarding the team selection, “We should have been in a camp or training in China and if that is not possible, India should field a team where players know each other, have trained and played together. Such as the U-23 squad Clifford Miranda took to China for the Asian qualifiers. Or, the squad India head coach Igor Stimac had selected which All India Football Federation (AIFF) released on August 1."

According to him, this familiarity would make up for the lack of preparation for the Asian Games. He then stated, “I don’t know when I last played with Sumit Rathi or Narender Gahlot. It will be difficult for them and for me.”

Sunil Chhetri stated that he understood why Odisha FC, Mohun Bagan and Mumbai City FC were holding back players as they are also representing India at the continental level.

While talking about the other ISL clubs, Chhetri said, "But the others could have released two players each the head coach wanted. I understand it is not easy for clubs and coaches to do that. But a man can always hope and I am still hoping that we go with the best possible team.”

The skipper also told Hindustan Times that if nothing goes according to their plan, they “would still go and fight, still run like a dog on the pitch.”

Sunil Chhetri recently became a father and couldn't be part of the King's Cup squad. He told Hindustan Times, “I wanted an exception for the King’s Cup because of that but the moment I saw India playing Iraq, I began missing the team. From that squad, players like Jeakson (Singh) and (Mahesh) Naorem were supposed to be part of the Asian Games. I was about to call Clifford and wish him all the best because I thought he was taking the team and then yesterday my wife said, ‘you are on the list'.”

If everything goes well, then on September 19, 21, and 24, respectively, Igor Stimac’s Blue Tigers will play against China, Bangladesh, and Myanmar in the Asian Games.