ISL 2018-19: You'll see a different Udanta now that he's finally scored, says Sunil Chhetri

​

Sunil Chhetri receives a commemorative Bengaluru FC shirt on his 150th appearance [Image: ISL]

As Sunil Chhetri played a landmark 150th game for Bengaluru FC at the Kanteerava Stadium on Monday night, the skipper has only one thing on his mind. The next 150.

"It feels good now," the Blues striker said as the Blues' victory over Delhi Dynamos moved them to the top of the Indian Super League table.

"Before the game, somebody asked me and I was thinking, 'My preparation and my thoughts are the same as any other game.' It feels really good.

"I just want to thank everyone who was a part of this - players who have played here before, coaches who I've trained under... It's been a great stint and I hope there are 150 more to come!"

Bengaluru gave away the ball too much against Delhi: Chhetri

The game nearly ended with Bengaluru FC and Delhi Dynamos sharing the spoils with the score reading 0-0 until the 87th minute. The home side was visibly frustrated and it was Delhi who created more chances and had more shots on target.

"It was scrappy," Chhetri said. "We weren't at our technical best that we generally are. I don't want to give any reasons but playing just three days after the FC Goa game probably took its toll.

"I don't want to give any excuses. But, at the end of the day, it was a grind and we're really happy that everyone worked hard. I think the attitude and working hard wasn't a problem but giving away the ball too cheaply, not holding on to the ball, and passing was a problem.

"I'm sure we will rectify that and work hard on it. At the end of the day, even though we were scrappy and weren't at our best, to come out with three points is a big relief."

Udanta can deliver much more: Chhetri

To ensure Chhetri could celebrate his 150th game with a win, Udanta Singh stepped up in the 87th minute with a long-range strike that hit the inside of the post before finding the back of the net.

And nobody was happier to see the 22-year-old score than Chhetri himself. The captain has taken the youngster under his wing and he spoke about how important it was for the Manipur-born winger to score.

Udanta Singh scored his first goal for Bengaluru FC this season [Image: ISL]

"It was very important for that kid to score a goal," Chhetri beamed. "If you ask everyone at the club they will tell you that we were a little bit worried about him not scoring - not because we put pressure on him but because of the kind of talent he is.

"I think he can deliver much more than what he gives us - which is huge - but it's just not as much as he can. So apart from making sure that he is a terror for the left-backs and gives us assists, he can also score goals."

"To see him scoring a goal today, it feels like the monkey is off his back now. I just hope that we see more in the coming games because he can."

So will Chhetri return the favour in Udanta's 150th game for the club? He's nearing 100 games for the Blues in all competitions.

"I'll try my best to score in every game. And when the day comes when he's playing his 150th then I'll try my best to return the favour," Chhetri said with a smile. "I think it was a very, very important goal - both for the club and for him also."

Udanta Singh scored the winner in the 87th minute [Image: ISL]

"You will definitely see a different Udanta. We already see a very good Udanta for us but once you score our first goal you're a different player and I'm very, very happy that he got it today. 

'Bengaluru's squad depth has been tested'

The 1-0 win over Delhi saw Bengaluru FC move to the top of the table. What works in their favour is that they still have a game in hand. However, the schedule will be punishing with these last six games being played over a 21-day period. What will they need to do to keep the winning run going?

"Rest well and eat well," Chhetri explained. "That's very, very important and paramount - I think the boys know it.

"More than going to the pitch and training it's more about what you do apart from those two hours; make sure that you rest as much as possible. There are a lot of ice-baths, massages, and making sure that you eat well.

"Also, the depth of our squad has been tested now. I'm quite confident that the boys are ready."

Bengaluru FC fans paid tribute to Sunil Chhetri as he made his 150th appearance for the club [Image: ISL]

After barely making changes to his starting lineups early in the season, Blues coach Carles Cuadrat has been forced into making many changes due to injuries and suspensions but it hasn't stopped the Blues from topping the table.

"It also gives breathing space to everyone who's injured," Chhetri continued. "If the team is winning they can relax and think about their own injury. By chance, if the team is losing then they have to hurry up and become desperate.

"I think it's a good phase and I hope that everyone can take advantage of it and we can get as many points as possible in the four upcoming games."

Bengaluru FC's next fixture is also at home and they take on Pune City on 30 November.

​