We will give our best, says Chhetri

Bengaluru, June 11
Sunil Chhetri today conceded that Oman are a better side than his team but asserted that the Indians will play without any pressure when they take on Oman here tomorrow.
Responding to a query about India’s chances against Oman, Chhetri said, “Let us be very clear in our minds that we are playing a very good side. Oman are a better side than us. We need to give our best, and have to be positive and make the rivals realise we are giving them a fight.
“We have young players and they have a clean mind, which is not under pressure or any kind of tension springing from the past track record against rivals like Oman. This should work to our advantage.”
Asked about the army training which the entire team and support staff underwent at the Army Corps Centre here, Chhetri said the exercise brought the players together but it was not something which would do wonders for the team overnight. “The training was good which brought us together, but it is not something that has been highlighted by the media as a game-changer. It is not something that it will make Ninjas out of this exercise,” he said.
Chhetri said it bothered him that he did not have a great season in terms of scoring goals.
“To be honest it bothers me; if you see my stats this season,” he said.
Chhetri has not been among goals as he scored just 11 from 28 matches he played this season so far. The biggest disappointment was his below par goal-scoring performance in the I-League where he played 20 games and scored only twice.
Oman coach Paul Le Guen said his players were confident of doing well in tomorrow’s match but would not ignore India’s progress in the last couple of years.
“At this level, we cannot ignore any team. India has been progressing well in the last two years and I don’t see any reason why they will not play well. We need to play to our strengths,” he said.
“Apart from playing against Australia, South Korea and Kuwait in the Asian Cup, we also have played friendlies against Algeria, Bahrain and Syria. These matches have given my boys a lot of confidence.”