ISL: Last year was one of the worst in our history, we want to change it – Sunil Chhetri ahead of upcoming season

Bengaluru FC veteran Sunil Chhetri said that the club will be determined to turn the tables in the forthcoming season of the Indian Super League. Chhetri, who recently announced his International retirement, admitted that last year the Blues had one of their worst seasons in their history and they will want to bounce back stronger.

Bengaluru FC finished at the 10th place in the ISL standings 2023-24 with five wins in 22 matches and could only muster 22 points. Thus, they were well away from qualifying from the playoffs and this was their worst since joining the ISL in the 2017-18 campaign. 

“I know the coach doesn’t want me to remind anyone, but last year was one of the worst in our history. I’m just reminding you because we are mindful of it and want to change it. We understand the kind of joy we bring to you, so thank you so much for standing by us even in our bad times,” Chhetri reflected while talking to BFC media team.

Chhetri and the whole squad gathered at the Bengaluru Football Stadium on Sunday in front of the fans and the skipper gave his gratitude to the team as well as the fans.

“The first feeling that I get when coming to this ground is the memory of our first season. I see a lot of you who were here on the first day, like me. Thank you so much for standing by us, even in our worst times. I hope this year we can get back all the joy that you truly deserve,” he asserted.

Chhetri has set lofty expectations from Mendez and new signing Jorge Diaz and expects them to deliver big in the upcoming season.

“If these two do not score a combined 25-plus goals, I’m sending this video to Miku. We all have to make sure we keep this video of the entrance as motivation. No pressure, but if Mendez and Diaz don’t score 25-plus, we’ll have a word,” Chhetri said. 

On the other hand, head coach Gerard Zaragoza urged the fans to support his team and said they will look to win at all costs, from every training session to every match to every trophy in the upcoming season.

“We have one exciting season beginning, and the thing that we want is that you believe in us. You believe in these guys because they are going to bring you a lot of wins. As I said inside the changing room, the word of this season is ‘win.’ We want to win everything. Every single training session, every single game — we need to win and then we will bring joy to you,” Zaragoza said.