Chhetri Is Best Indian Striker Now: Marquez

In the dead of night and before the heat from an edgy encounter had dissipated, Manolo Marquez made an exception: he spoke about the national team as FC Goa coach.

- Dhiman Sarkar

KOLKATA: It would also be his first comments explaining Sunil Chhetri's inclusion in the India squad for the friendly against Maldives and the 2027 Asian Cup qualifier against Bangladesh later this month.

At the moment, Chhetri, 40, is the best Indian striker and he was included because it gives India the best chance in a competition they need to win to stay among the Asian elite, said Marquez. Which is why the 56-year-old Spaniard, who won the ISL Cup with Hyderabad FC in 2021-22, said he spoke to Chhetri who had retired from international football last June.