India midfielder Lalengmawia Ralte feels the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) plan to play more international matches will benefit the team but will also leave players prone to injuries. AIFF President Kalyan Choubey had recently said that the national team is expected to play 20 to 25 international matches before the Asian Cup to be held in Doha in January 2024. Ralte said, “This is the first time that the Indian team will play so many matches in a year. This will help our teammates to adjust better on the field as we usually play fewer matches with the national team than with our clubs.
The 22-year-old said in a release from AIFF, “Football is a team sport, so it is important to stick together. For example, if I am playing Chhangte, I need to know how he likes to create chances and where he wants the ball. The more I play with him, the better our understanding will be. The next seven months are crucial for the Indian team with the Asian Cup in mind. The team will also take part in the Hero Intercontinental Cup (June 9-18) in Bhubaneswar and the SAFF Championship in Bengaluru (June 21-July 4) followed by the King’s Cup in Thailand and the Merdeka Cup in Malaysia later this year.
