Guwahati, Nov 6: Sporting Lisbon striker Sunil Chhetri will in all likeliness not be part of the squad that faces Yemen when The Blue Tigers face off against them at Guwahati on November 14, according to national team coach Wim Koevermans who was at Guwahati to assess the conditions of the Indira Gandhi Athletics Stadium.
"Sunil's participation is not sure but it should not be a problem even if he joins at the last minute as he plays for a pretty big club like Sporting Lisbon. I am in touch with him," Koevermans was quoted saying.
Chhetri had earlier tweeted that it wasn't ideal for him to get just one training session before the game. He was an unused substitute in Sporting Lisbon's 3-1 win over Benfica B.
"We will go for goal, victory is our primary objective and it should be a good match," he added. The coach went on to say that India must play more matches on FIFA matchdays to improve their rankings.
"Rankings improve that way and we should play more such matches and not just Nehru Cup. That will also help Indian football," stressed Koevermans.
Koevermans stressed the importance of India playing on FIFA matchdays
The Dutchman also called for I-League matches to be held after sunset for the sake of the players' comfort. "Matches should be held in evening for players' comfort. I-League is on the right track but requires further developments, the AIFF is trying," he said.
Koevermans' arrival to the national team setup has seen the team shifting to a more passing-based game in stark contrast to the hoofball that was synonomous with the Indian teams of old. The coach was happy that many I-League clubs are beginning to adopt such a style.
"I am happy that players are playing that style and clubs employing also that. I am also happy with my support staff," he said.
Ten Action Plus will be telecasting the International Friendly between India and Yemen to be held in Guwahati on November 14.
"Sunil's participation is not sure but it should not be a problem even if he joins at the last minute as he plays for a pretty big club like Sporting Lisbon. I am in touch with him," Koevermans was quoted saying.
Chhetri had earlier tweeted that it wasn't ideal for him to get just one training session before the game. He was an unused substitute in Sporting Lisbon's 3-1 win over Benfica B.
"We will go for goal, victory is our primary objective and it should be a good match," he added. The coach went on to say that India must play more matches on FIFA matchdays to improve their rankings.
"Rankings improve that way and we should play more such matches and not just Nehru Cup. That will also help Indian football," stressed Koevermans.
Koevermans stressed the importance of India playing on FIFA matchdays
The Dutchman also called for I-League matches to be held after sunset for the sake of the players' comfort. "Matches should be held in evening for players' comfort. I-League is on the right track but requires further developments, the AIFF is trying," he said.
Koevermans' arrival to the national team setup has seen the team shifting to a more passing-based game in stark contrast to the hoofball that was synonomous with the Indian teams of old. The coach was happy that many I-League clubs are beginning to adopt such a style.
"I am happy that players are playing that style and clubs employing also that. I am also happy with my support staff," he said.
Ten Action Plus will be telecasting the International Friendly between India and Yemen to be held in Guwahati on November 14.
0 comments