'We have a target to reach the play-off'

I want to give it my all on the pitch as a player when I select myself and expect the same as a manager if I have to watch the game from the bench, says Anelka.

(From right) Sunil Chhetri, Nicolas Anelka and Andre Moritz at a media interaction.

We had a fruitful pre-season in Dubai. The hot weather was very useful for us to get used to the Indian climate for the next three months. We lost one of our practice games because we tried a new system, but it was a good test since it helped us realise that we have a lot to do to be able to win games in the ISL.

I expect the team to give their best on the pitch this season. Personally, I want to give it my all on the pitch as a player when I select myself and expect the same as a manager if I have to watch the game from the bench. We have a target to reach the playoff ... After that, anything is possible.

The Dubai camp was hard work. We wanted to get ready to be the best. We have more quality than last year, in all areas. I hope we can do better. The players in the squad are cleverer, stronger this time. Football is football and I don’t want to speak too much. I would rather trust my players.

(As told to Nandakumar Marar)