SAFF Championship 2023: Sunil Chhetri alone can't be burdened with scoring goals, says Sahal Abdul Samad

India's attacking midfielder Sahal Abdul Samad said that Sunil Chhetri alone can't be burden with scoring goals up front and rest of the attack needs to chip in too as India gear up to face Nepal in their second Group A game in SAFF Championship 2023 in Bengaluru on Saturday (June 24).

"Our plan is to keep the ball as much as we can and we have fantastic players who can score goals. But yes, we all need to score as well, not just Sunil bhai (Chhetri). Obviously, we are happy to have him around. The changes (under Stimac) are now beginning to show," Sahal told the mediaperson in pre-match interaction on Friday.

"Obviously, there is room for improvement and I am working on it. Importantly, I need to start contributing goals."

Speaking of coach Igor Stimac, Sahal said the instruction is very clear from the Croatian and that is to play progressive football.

"The instruction (from Stimac) is to play progressive football. As soon as we get the ball, we look to keep it with us for as much as we can and move forward to score goals," said Sahal.

"It is important for a player to have that trust from the coach. I get it from him (Stimac) and hence I was able to play freely and enjoy the game. I started playing as an attacking midfielder with the Kerala Blasters, and it remains my favourite position and the coach knows it as well."

Sahal said India are ready to defend their SAFF title and there is no extra pressure on them.

"It (being the defending champions) is no pressure at all. We have a good bunch of players. There are experienced players and some good, young talents are coming up. Yes, the most difficult part is to defend the trophy. But we are ready," said Sahal.

With inputs from PTI