Sunil Chhetri: We'll go to Asian Cup and do our best

Sunil Chhetri spoke about the NorthEast United game as well.

Gameweek 7 of the Indian Super League brings to the table a truly feisty and breath-taking battle between two age old foes, NorthEast United FC and Bengaluru FC. 

Right from the time when Bengaluru FC crushed the hearts of the Highlanders’ with a 3-0 second leg semi-final win in the 2018-19 season, NEUFC and Bengaluru have shared a very bitter relationship, and are amongst the biggest rivals in the ISL.

With the Blues once again making a trip to Guwahati for their game against NorthEast United on Sunday, fans can be sure of a cracking showdown between two teams who are currently fighting for a spot in the top-six.

Ahead of the all important game, Khel Now got the opportunity to exclusively speak to the Bengaluru FC and Indian national team captain Sunil Chhetri. Here's how the conversation went:

Thoughts on the game

With the Highlanders on a pretty decent run of form this season, Bengaluru FC have a big task on their hands to try and overcome the might of Juan Pedro Benali and his men. When asked about the same, Sunil Chhetri said, “It is going to be difficult. I think we are more focused and bothered about what we are going to do on the pitch. Last two games, there were a lot of things that we wanted to correct, a lot of things that we have worked hard on, especially the ones who are here,” he said.

“We want to apply ourselves properly, be in sync as to exactly what the coach wants. I think we also are going to and have done a little bit of study on the opponent. They are doing well. But I think tomorrow it is more about how we operate and how we apply ourselves,” he added.

On his expectations and plans with the National team

With the Indian national team having recently started their 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers journey, Sunil Chhetri spoke on the current situation at the camp, and also what he is expecting from the upcoming AFC Asian Cup. 

“I don't know what the realistic expectations are in terms of quantifiable numbers. But for me, I think just to go there (Asian Cup) and do as good as possible as a team is important,” said the skipper.

“Against Kuwait, and the majority of the game against Qatar, I think we were decent. Mistakes at that level, really cost you dearly. We switched off in two moments in the first half and the second half - 2-0. And it became difficult,” he added. 

He further stated, “So I think all this learning is what we want to take on board and go there and give a good account of ourselves. To be very honest, I do not know how to quantify what we as a team are expecting from ourselves. But yes, for everyone to come fit, injury free, in the camp, which is going to be in December end, and to go there and give a good account of ourselves.

"It's not going to be easy when you play against a side like Australia and Uzbekistan, and also not to forget to mention Syria. But we worked really hard to reach the Asian Cup and we're just going to go there and do our best,” he concluded.