Cannot let non-selection affect my performance, says Rahul Bheke

Although many young players like Anirudh Thapa, Pronay Halder, and more got their national debut under Stephen Constantine’s management, there were numerous others who didn’t make it despite deserving it. ISL champion Rahul Bheke is one such player who had to wait for long for his chance until Igor Stimac named him in the 37-man probable squad ahead of the King’s Cup.

Bheke revealed that he was hopeful of his chances when Constantine stepped down from the position and also reiterated that he could let not playing for the national team affect his performance. “When the season ended there was news that our coach will be changed. So I was thinking that if there is new coach I may get a chance and I should be ready for it,” said Bheke, reported Scroll.

“That’s part of football. The thing in my hand was to keep working hard and keep playing well for my club, win ISL. My aim was to win it this year and I was focused on that. I cannot let non-selection affect me because that will affect my performance and my team’s. So I keep myself motivated and focused on the goal,” Bheke added.

Stimac’s appointment has found AIFF divided with one part not happy with the Croatian’s resume over Albert Roca. Bheke, however, was all praise for the manager and revealed that Stimac has asked the team to play more attacking football.

“He is very much positive about the growth of Indian football and wants to take us further into being one of the best team in Asia. He said stick together as a team. My only target is to do well and do what coach’s need are. As a team he wants attacking football and play as a team. He gave Croatia’s team example and said you can be that as well,” Bheke added.