“Not complaining as somebody didn’t release players..”, Crispin Chhetri opens up on missing key players from Indian team against Russia

Kolkata : Indian team, average age of 23 with youngest being 19. Many could have thought what can they do against 27th ranked Russia and even the 0-4 scoreline defeat didn’t justify the bravery of a Young team without giants like Manisha Kalyan, Aveka Singh, etc.

Indian Head coach took this thing on a positive note as it proved as “blessing” for youngster to get opportunity against a team like Russia and put up brave fight. The players missing from the team already plays as regulars in Main team so the vacant spots are utilized for the ones who could certainly be benched during the Main team’s games.

“As a coach you always want to have your best players, we could have called Manisha, Aveka but they are already playing in best Indian team, in their place, 2 Indian who don’t get chance are playing”.

There were fiascos regarding East Bengal players AWCL commitments in November hence they missed the Russia game. Although East Bengal released a statement stating that they formariy wanted to release all 9 players for National duty being committed in both Men’s and Women’s field, thereby submitting medical documents to AIFF ahead of the FIFA Window. But as per them, all 9 were “unceremoniously excluded” from National Team scheme.

Although Chhetri showed only a little concern in previous press conference as it opened room for youngsters, the Indian Head coach urged all clubs to come together when National team does play. He didn’t “complain” against anyone as any club “didn’t release” any particular players.

“I can say I did miss few players, all clubs and everyone has to come together so that National team does. I’m not complaining it as somebody didn’t release the players or nothing like that but see it is part and parcel of the game, it was a blessing – 2-3 youngsters showed their character “, Chhetri commented.

Chhetri also stated his pleasure being in a competitive environment to select players from a competitive pool.

He said, ” Now what happens is those who didn’t come now they’re in the problem because when they start performing then the competition becomes tough, then I’m in a problem to select and that’s how I want to move forward “.

India will next face Russia at Kishore Bharati on October 11 for 2nd and final friendly game.