Will strive to do our best, promises Sunil Chhetri ahead of AFC Cup clash

The Bengaluru FC skipper accompanied Marco Pezzaiuoli to the pre-match press conference.

Sunil Chhetri-led Bengaluru FC will resume its AFC Cup campaign on August 15, when they take on Maldives-based Club Eagles in a playoff game at the National Stadium in Male on Sunday. A win is essential for both teams, provided they want to the qualify to the continental competition's group stages.

The winner of the game will earn a spot in Group D of the AFC Cup where they will face ATK Mohun Bagan, Maziya S&RC and Bashundhara Kings. After its gigantic 5-0 victory against Nepal's Tribhuvan Army, Bengaluru FC aim to continue the same form in Sunday's crucial fixture. Ahead of the game, the Blues' head coach Marco Pezzaiuoli and captain Sunil Chhetri spoke in the pre-match press conference.

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Regarding the fixture's rescheduling

Marco spoke on the pandemic's effects on the training of Bengaluru FC. “It’s not an easy situation to play in. This is the second time we are preparing for this game, and we had a good four-week preparation at IIS Vijayanagar in Bellary, where we stayed in a bubble. It was a great facility and now we are here again in another bubble,” the tactician began.

Updates on the squad

The head coach also gave some updates on the 29-men travelling squad of Bengaluru FC to face Club Eagles on Independence Day.

"We are missing very few players for the game against Club Eagles. Prince Ibara has an infection and he hasn’t joined the team, Edmund Lalrindika has a back injury and Harmanpreet Singh has a muscle issue. There are 26 players that are here and I hope we make it to the group stage.”

Reflection on overhauling of the squad

Bengaluru FC captain Sunil Chhetri, who accompanied the head coach to the press conference, praised his club's new signings and the four long weeks of pre-season that he had with them. Subsequently, he praised the Maldives for their welcoming attitude.

"We are very happy to be here. A lot of people have worked hard to make this tournament and match happen. We had a really good four weeks of pre-season, made some new signings and we’re now in Maldives where the hospitality has been very good," he expressed.

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The captain on his expectations

Sunil Chhetri also spoke about his team's desire to finish off this crucial game. In other words, his teammates' aim of both winning this fixture and making it to the starting XI under their new coach.

"We’re really thankful that we can finally play a match, and we are really looking forward to the game. We are just focusing on our team, and as players, we are all eager to fight for a place in the first XI and give our coach a selection headache,” he added.

Final thoughts on the game

The 37-year-old also reflected on his team's 2020 shootout loss against another team from the Maldives; Maziya S&RC. He emphasized how that had helped build a resilient attitude.

"After last season’s defeat to Maziya, we weren't feeling well because we didn’t give our best performance. However, it has been two years now and that game is in the past. This is a new campaign and we will strive to do our best," Chhetri concluded.

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