Jeje Lalpekhlua has been missing in
action for some time now. For club and country, he was missed
but Chennaiyin FC’s most-capped player is now ready to strike
again after recuperating from a knee surgery. He spoke to ISL
Media ahead of the sixth season.
● Your season in the Hero Indian Super League ended prematurely last season. How eager are you to come back?
Jeje Lalpekhlua - In the last three or four years, I have played with so many
problems with my knee, but I have given everything for my
team. Now, after my surgery, I am excited to be back. I am
excited to see my team-mates and I want to play soon in front
of our fans.
● Is there anything to prove this season?
Jeje Lalpekhlua - No. I don’t need to prove (anything to) anyone
but myself. That is my target right now. It is very
difficult to come back after surgery as a player,
but I must work very hard, be the best and
build my confidence.
● How difficult has it been for you to watch
the national team from the sidelines?
Jeje Lalpekhlua - It is so hard. I have been watching
the games and must say they
played really well under new
coach. I miss wearing the
national blues a lot. Watching the games on television
motivates me to come back.
I can’t explain how eager I am to be back
playing for the nation.
● Your thoughts on coach Igor Stimac?
Jeje Lalpekhlua - The players have adapted well to his
methods. They have played good football and I hope they do well for the rest
of the World Cup 2022 qualifying campaign. The style of playing is really good.
Against Qatar, they did particularly well.
It was one of the best performances of the
national team in recent times. I hope we
can continue.
● How soon do you see yourself returning to
the national team?
Jeje Lalpekhlua - First, the ISL. I want to return fit
and give as much as I can. I want to be
with the national team too but first I
need to concentrate on the ISL, do
well and hope that I will be back (with
national team).
NEW DELHI, Oct 17 - Assam Tribune
Post a Comment