India skipper and Bengaluru FC striker Sunil Chhetri believes they have a “strong team” to win the upcoming I-League season.
India skipper and Bengaluru FC striker Sunil Chhetri believes they have a “strong team” to win the upcoming I-League season.
“It is going to tough, for there are nine teams who are capable of putting up a good show. However, we are also well prepared. We have been strengthening our arsenal and are a strong team. We would do everything to win as many matches as possible,” said Chhetri, who starred in India’s SAFF Cup title triumph last week. India defeated defending champions Afghanistan to win the title after a gap of five years.
Chhetri though added that Bengaluru FC did not want to sound bossy about their preparations for the I-League, that begins on Saturday.
“Everyone one wants to play Bengaluru FC because we have been the champions for the last two years, but we don’t want to sound bossy,” he said.
Asked which team could pose the strongest challenge, Chhetri said, “Just having good overseas coaches and players will not suffice to bag the title. Instead, a team will go the distance if they win consistently.”
Head coach Ashley Westwood said there could be lot of twists and turns this season due to the presence of a couple of unknown teams in Aizwal FC and DSK Shivajians.
“There are unknown teams. Mumbai are a good side. Mohun Bagan and East Bengal are strong too. Salgaocar, having gone for a foreign coach, will bring in fresh ideas into the team. Aizwal and Shillong are tough parts to play on. So, expect twists and turns and it could be a tough season,” he said.Bengaluru FC face Salgaocar FC at the Tilak Maidan in Margao on Saturday.
