IndianFootball.Com correspondent Nitin Pant today (January 4) had the chance to have a chat with JCT Mills and India striker Sunil Chetri at the clubs team hotel in old Delhi about the upcoming 11th National League, his chances at the club and his experiences with the national team under Bob Houghton.

How's the preparation for 11th NFL?

The preparation is quite well. The whole team is in a very good shape under the guidance of Sukhvinder Sir. We are really doing well and are optimistic. I am really looking forward for the first match. Concerning tomorrow's match we are almost playing a home match.

How's your confidence level after the Doha Asian Games?

It's been good. Staying with the Indian team for the past seven months was a very good experience. I learned a lot and as it was a continuous process we had very good confidence level, all the players who were in the team. I am really optimistic about my confidence and let's see.

What you want to say about Bob Houghton's theory of taller players. Is it affecting you to get a regular spot in the team?

As I and the whole team are concerned it's not a big fuss. I am not sure if he has given such type of comment. Yes I agree it's important to have taller and stronger players but at the same time you need best mixture of good quality players. So if he is saying about taller players he doesn't mean that all the 11 players should be tall. And as far as my position in the team is concerned it doesn't bother me when you are under a good coach like Mr. Houghton. We all 20 players really learnt a lot under him and are improving day by day.

You are not getting to many chances to play for JCT although you are in the national team for the past two years?

As far as a club is concerned it's quite different from the national team. It's not that if you are playing in the national team it doesn't mean that you will get a chance in the club squad also. We have a very good bunch of players at JCT and it's not the matter of who is playing and who is not, we are focusing on doing a good job. So even if in some matches I am not there the other players going to play and perform. It keeps on changing, its football, everyday is not going to be same for you. What matters is we want to be collective. We want to put in our efforts collectively the team, the coach, the management and at last we will put a good show.

Delhi being your home town how you feel like playing in here?

I always feel good to play in Delhi specially Ambedkar Stadium from where I started my career. I am comfortable in playing here and it gives me a nice high. Although I haven't played here for quite a long time, I also missed the Durand Cup because of national team engagements, I am really looking forward to perform in tomorrows match.

Any comments on Delhi's people support for you? Any message for your fans in Delhi?

I am privileged to have support and love from Delhi people! It's a nice gesture for me and I'll try to live up to their expectations and will try to give a good performance every time I play. Also I'll try to make Delhi's name to grow through my game. I am really thankful to all my supporters.

Thank you for talking to us at IndianFootball.Com and best of luck.!