Won’t be bogged down if I don’t make final cut, says Micahel Soosairaj

SportsCafe Desk
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India’s new footballing sensation Michael Soosairaj has stated that he has been working hard in the national camp but won’t be bogged down if he doesn’t make the final cut in the 23-man squad. The national coach has already cut as many as 13 players from the initial 37-man probable squad.

Stimac has come at the back of a lot of unpredictability. Half of the players didn’t know his name and what was his preferred tactics with the clubs he has managed. And now with the national camp for King's Cup properly underway, people have a fair idea of his strategy by the number of players he has released that included some surprising names.

Big names like Dhanpal Ganesh, Rowling Borges, Narayan Das, and many more have been released as India are left with a 25-man squad now. With two more players to be released, Soosairaj has been of the knowledge that he could be one of them and stated that it won’t get him down.

"It feels great to be in the National Team setup along with all. Even if I don't make the cut finally, I won't get bogged down. It has been an eye-opener, and a unique experience which will help me better myself as a player," he said at the sidelines of the camp, reported PTI.

Soosairaj also revealed how skipper and India football legend Sunil Chhetri was very supportive of the youngsters and advised them during the first day of the camp. "Like most other youngsters, I used to look up to Sunil Chhetri since my childhood. This is my first National team camp and meeting him the first time has been my favourite moment," Soosairaj said.

"I will never forget his advice the first time we met. He told me not to burden myself with any pressure. It's your first national team camp, just enjoy the moment and give your best on the ground. That's what Sunil bhai said to me.

"Sunil Bhai is so humble, and it's infectious. He came up to every junior player and asked us to stay focused on and off the pitch, and continue the good work. He has met all of us individually and that's blown me away," Soosairaj added.

The Jamshedpur FC had a good season in ISL where he scored four goals and provided five assists. The Indian winger, however, will have a fierce competition at the national level with the likes of Jackichand Singh, Brandon Fernandes, Udanta Singh, and others vying for the flanks. And Soosairaj was quick to acknowledge that. 

"37 fantastic players were called up by the Coach, and eventually only 23 players will be in that final list. There's a fierce competition amongst us. There are some great midfielders in the squad. I know I need to compete with then, and that I have to give my best. I'm trying my best in every training session," he said.

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