The pandemic has changed many people’s memories and lives. Sunil Chhetri, however, is adamant that he can recall each and every aspect of his previous football career, including “getting to the stadium, completing our warm-up, seeing the supporters, and memorising all the shouts.”
After two oppressive seasons in a bio-bubble, Bengaluru FC will play its opening ISL match against NorthEast United FC when it returns to its historic stadium, the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, on Saturday.
Head coach Simon Grayson remarked that “it’s like normal football again, and fans will be like enormous caged animals.” “They will now be let out in the open to provide the ambiance, the noise, and the excitement. They, and the players, can’t wait, I’m certain.
The enthusiasm around the club seems to be back after two unsuccessful seasons. The excitement among the fans has been sparked by the acquisitions of star forward Roy Krishna and inventive midfielder Javi Hernandez, the rise of the youth N. Sivasakthi, and the winning of the Durand Cup, which ended a three-year losing streak.
Prabir Das, who bonded well with Krishna while playing together at ATK Mohun Bagan, and defender Sandesh Jhingan’s acquisitions show how determined BFC is to challenge for the championship it last won in 2018–19.
Chhetri replied in a grave tone, “I’m simply trying to make sure that I get into the first XI. “The level of competitiveness is that. The younger generation is pushing us, and many elders are unsure of their standings. One of the best teams to be on is that one.