Sunil Chhetri: “We are up for the task”

India’s star striker Sunil Chhetri believes that despite going down to the UAE 3-0 in the away-leg, the Indian team is still in contention and it’s all about getting the act right.

India will take on the UAE on July 28 in the home-leg with a huge task in their hands and will need to give everything to get a positive result.

“We are up for the task. It’s just a matter of getting the act right and once we get an early goal, we can put pressure on the opponent,” Chhetri said.

“We have the home advantage and will look to capitalise on that,” he continued.

“Everyone is aware of the challenge and will need to put in everything to achieve a positive result in the match,” the former Sporting Kansas City striker added.

India were down to nine men after Debabrata Roy and Subrata Pal were given the marching order and Armando Colaco’s boys gave their hearts out putting up a brave performance.

“The credits goes to each and everyone for putting up such a brilliant display after we were down to nine men,” Chhetri said.

“Also Karanjit had a great game and it gives us the confidence that we have two reliable goalkeepers in the team. But at the same time, the absence of Subrata will be felt as not only he is a great goalkeeper but also manages the defence quite well,” the Delhi lad concluded.

Chris Punnakkattu Daniel

I'm a creative mind working in football management, consulting and media with more than 20 years of experience in football business and sports media. I love travelling, photography and share things I like. Consultancy, Project Management and Public Relations for professional football clubs, federations, media and corporates on (Indian) football. Indian football expert, writer and blogger. Strategic Advisor to Women's Bundesliga 2 side FSV Gütersloh 2009. Former COO cum Assistant Editor-in-Chief of IndianFootball.Com and its parent company. [+ Read more]