The Skipper Speaks About How Important The Result Against Aizawl Was And How His Side Should Be Proud Of The Season They’ve Had…

Much like last year, Bengaluru FC’s final game of the season will determine if they progress to the next stage of the AFC Cup or not. The only difference this time though is that even a win may not be enough. “It is how it is,” said skipper Sunil Chhetri of the Blues’ situation. The Super Cup champions need to beat Abahani Dhaka in Bangladesh while banking on New Radiant to drop points away to Aizawl if they are to dream of a fourth consecutive appearance in the knock-out stages the competition.

“We know what we have to do and simply hope that Aizawl play the game of their lives. What’s good to see is the attitude in the dressing room despite knowing that most of our fate rests in someone else’s hands,” he added.

Having shockingly gone down to New Radiant in Maldives, Chhetri was keen to steer the reaction that manager Albert Roca had asked for when the Blues took on Aizawl last week. And a flawless 5-0 win seemed the perfect way to end the home fixtures for the season.

“It felt good. As we spoke a day before the game, a reaction was important and needed. Even in the pre-match talk, I told the boys that you can’t guarantee success or three points, but make sure that you feel satisfied after the game. And it is one of those times when you feel really good because we did almost everything the boss wanted us to, and it’s no surprise that we came out victorious dominating all departments.”

It’s been a very long season for Bengaluru, one in which the Blues have played some breath-taking football and while there were was the disappointment on losing out in the final of the Indian Super League, Chhetri says his side have so much to be pleased about. “I think as a team we’re pretty happy for many things. We’ve won more games than most and I don’t think we’ve lost that many. The dressing room has been very happy place to be in. We’ve all been like one big family and all these things are very important for a team. I think we have improved from what we were last year and that’s what this club is about – improving as we move ahead – and we’re happy that we were able to do it. I just hope it continues. We don’t boast that we are the best in the country, but yes, we are the ones that try to improve every season.”