Sunil Chhetri always had potential to be special player, says Shanmugam Venkatesh

Venkatesh has been associated with Chhetri for long now and has played various roles over the footballer’s career. And it all started in March 2004 when Chhetri debuted in the U-20 side for India in a 1-0 win over hosts Pakistan. The assistant coach recollected how the young striker was determined to make an impression on his debut.

“I remember we were missing a number of regular players for the series, and it paved the way for a talented Sunil Chhetri to get picked. We were playing in Pakistan, and that was an added pressure on everyone. I remember Sunil being tremendous on his debut. He even scored, and it was an indicator of the things to come,” Venkatesh said, reported PTI.

“Sunil played under my captaincy, and we could see from the start that he had the potential to be a special player,” he added.

He also said that it was in JCT Phagwara that had changed Chhetri’s career changed forever where he proved the selectors that he was ready for the national team despite the ruthless competition.

“Sunil was mentally very strong right from the start. The turning point for him, I feel, came for him when he moved to JCT. His performances sent across the message that he was ready for the national team. There was intense competition for places in the Indian side. 

“But he proved his worth and became a regular. He has maintained himself very well and he is careful at every step — right from eating right things, taking adequate rest, taking care of his equipment,” he added.