Chhetri laments lack of preparation for October 8 WC qualifier

India had lost their previous three qualifiers to Oman, Guam and Iran, and are scheduled to play Oman – also away – on October 13.

However, their preparation as a team has suffered owing to the players’ commitments towards their Indian Super League (ISL) franchisees. The All India Football Federation has asked the 22-man squad to report to Mumbai on October 4, a day after the start of the Indian Super League (ISL) second edition.

“We wanted more time for preparations for Turkmenistan. From next year we have to make the calendar in such a way that we can be able to play all matches. But my main aim is to play for my country and then come back and play ISL matches,” Chhetri told reporters in Mumbai.

About the three previous defeats, Chettri, bought by Mumbai City FC in the players’ auction for the ISL second edition, said: “We played well against Oman and Iran but we have only ourselves to blame for losing against Guam.

“We played badly against Guam. But we need to forget what has happened in the past and stay focused in the task at hand. We will now look forward to give our best against Turkmenistan. We have to play and give our best and make our country proud.”