The day I think I’m not contributing enough to Indian NT, I'll be done, says Sunil Chhetri

The skipper also spoke on Sandesh Jhingan's absence against Lebanon.

After a scintillating group stages campaign, India are once again ready for action, as they prepare to take on Lebanon in the semi-finals of the SAFF Championship 2023. 

The Blue Tigers finished second in their group as a result of their 1-1 draw against Kuwait, and will now have to take on the other group winner - Lebanon, in order to book a spot in the final.

https://youtu.be/hvxDH9CcsjQ

Before the game, Indian National team’s assistant coach Mahesh Gawli spoke to the media. He was joined by skipper Sunil Chhetri.

Here are some of the excerpts from the conversation.

Thoughts ahead of game against Lebanon

With the Blue Tigers facing Lebanon on Saturday in their semi-final fixture, Mahesh Gawli and Captain Sunil shared their thoughts ahead of the game against Lebanon.

“Lebanon is a good side. We are prepared for the fight and the boys are motivated, committed, focused, and we will continue the same attitude which we showed in previous matches,” exclaimed Mahesh.

“It will be a tough match for us because we know they are playing good here. There (Odisha) they had weather issues but it will be a different match. They are an attacking side, and play very well. They have a number 7 (Hassan Maatouk) who is very talented,” he added.

Sunil Chhetri also added on Mahesh’s lines, and said, “We know quite a lot about Lebanon because we have already played them twice and have also seen them play and I'm pretty sure they have the same feeling about us. Trying to stay calm, we did our best to recuperate after so many games in such a short time and we are ready for the challenge.”

Thoughts on the home support so far

When asked about how impressed he was with the number of fans turning up to the games, and creating an electrifying atmosphere inside the stadium, Sunil Chhetri commented:

“I expect nothing less. We have been treated to some outstanding support in the last three games, and I'm pretty sure that Bangalore is going to turn up again in the semi-finals, for many reasons, one, of course, we all love football here but also because it is going to be a very good game.” 

“Also this year we were fortunate in a way that we got two different teams who are not a part of the South region and definitely a level higher. So it is not every day that you get to play against these teams. If you need any added motivation, one it is the semi-final, second it is Bangalore, it is luscious, nice and I'm pretty sure they also want a piece of us back because of what happened in the last two games. So all in all, proper entertainment on your plate, so do not miss out. Anyone who is thinking of not coming, make sure that you turn up,” asserted Sunil.

On Igor’s absence in the sidelines

Having received a red card in India’s last game against Kuwait, coach Igor Stimac will not be present on the sidelines in India’s semi-final game against Lebanon. When asked about how much impact this will have on the team, Sunil said, “What happens is a lot of preparation is done before the game day and I'm not trying to be cliched, but that is the fact. Of course, you want your leader, your boss to be there at the sidelines, and that is not going to happen tomorrow. But a lot of preparation, almost all of it is done prior to the game.

https://youtu.be/mxutCXV4tAA

He added, "And he will be here involved, and whatever little that we miss, our man on the right side (Mahesh) will make sure that we miss him less. But it's a team and our head coach has almost done all the preparations and he has his main man there to make sure that he takes whatever necessary steps and information along at the dugout.”  

Thoughts on this current Indian contingent

Sunil Chhetri threw a lot of light on his feelings towards this current India squad, and appreciated the entire team for their constant hard work. He also said that this month and a half long national team camp has helped the team immensely.

“I think we are gelling well now. I think that's what one and a half months of preparation does. A lot of boys, usual suspects who have done really well in the last year, have carried their form, and then being together one and a half months has really helped. But we have talked about this day in, day out, let's not get carried away. Where we want to go, what we have in the next six months is massive. It's a huge journey,” stated Sunil.

How these friendlies will help India

Sunil also revealed how he thinks these friendly games against quality teams like Lebanon and Kuwait, will help India in their preparations for the AFC Asian Cup.

“What helps when you play against teams like Lebanon and Kuwait, is you get an idea of how Syria and to an extent Uzbekistan might be. Of course, Uzbekistan is a top team, but you have an idea. So what it does is it gives you an idea as to how and what you're going to face,” he started.

“So that is why whenever you get an opportunity to play friendlies like these, or matches like these, it really helps. Let's suppose before the tournament starts, we might or we will get Iraq in the King's Cup, which will be a great test again, and before the tournament starts, if we get a team like Iran or Oman, what it gives you is an idea as to this is what the level is, and this is how you have to be ready. So that is why these matches are very important. That is why I'm really happy that in the SAFF Cup, we could get Kuwait and Lebanon,” he added.

Thoughts on Sandesh Jhingan's absence in tomorrow’s game

Sandesh Jhingan will be missing India’s semi-final game against Lebanon due to suspension. When asked how his absence would impact the team, Sunil Chhetri said, “I think whoever comes in his place is going to do justice and give his best and as far as me personally is concerned, I will always miss Sandesh. No matter where I play, I want him. At the club, at a training pitch, at a normal ground, at a five a side, you want him.

He added, "You want him for many reasons, but the number one reason is because he does not like to lose. He will do anything not to lose, and I love that boy, I love that man. And yes, I hope after the game I can tell you that we didn't miss him because whoever comes in his place is going to do justice,” opined Sunil.

Mahesh added to Sunil’s statement and said, “We have played them twice and our players know, our defenders know how he plays. And we have planned for him and after today's training, we will work on that, and you can see tomorrow.”

Sunil on how longer he plans to play with the National team

When asked about how much longer he intends on donning the national colours, Sunil came up with a pretty diplomatic reply. 

“I have no idea when my last game for the country is going to be and I'll be very honest, and it is derived from the fact that I've never had long-term targets. I'll only think about the next 10 days, next match, next training. There will come a day where I probably will not want to because of a lot of other things and I'll be done.”

“It has never crossed my mind. Generally there are a few parameters that I think about whether I am contributing to the team or not. The day I start seeing that it's not there, I am done. Because there aren't many other motivations left for me to play. One is the fact that I love football, and second, you don't get an opportunity to play for the country. Only these two are left. So the day the petrol is finished, I am done."