Last year’s Hero of the Season, Sunil Chhetri will be hoping to lead Bengaluru FC to the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2018-19 title in their second attempt, after having come very close to attain it last season. The Blues take on Chennaiyin FC on Sunday, in what will be a repeat of the 2017-18 final, at their fortress in Bengaluru.

Ahead of the big tie, indiansuperleague.com held an exclusive interview with the Bengaluru captain to uncover his thoughts on their first game of the season as well as the side’s preparations. Here are the excerpts:

Views on Bengaluru’s pre-season preparations.

Pretty good preparations. We had a head start because we played in the AFC (Cup). Sadly, we couldn’t reach the next stage in the AFC, but there were two very, very important games. Before that, we went to Spain where we played very important four games, very tough and different ones. I think the preparations have been quite well and everyone looks fit. Touch wood we didn’t have any major injuries, which is always good. So, if you ask me, yes, we are very happy as a team with our preparations.

Is there revenge on Bengaluru’s mind against Chennaiyin?

There is no revenge. If the match was just after a day we had lost the final, probably then it would have been, but now it’s not. Played enough football to understand that. It’s a start of a fresh tournament and we got to take it as it would have been against any other opponent. We will try our best to be a tough team to play against and try to get three points, especially because we are playing at home. I think we are quite formidable at home. We will try to make sure that we continue our good form at home and try to get three points. It doesn’t matter who we play against.

Thoughts on new signing Chencho Gyeltshen?

Chencho is quite a signing. He is an exciting player, takes on people, he is very fast, has an eye for goal and at the end of the day, he is a lovely boy. I think he is trying his best to adjust with the team which sort of becomes difficult. Initially, I think he was struggling a little bit but now he has his groove and I’m sure he is going to add a lot of flair and lot of positivity to our potent attack.

What does the passionate support of the Bengaluru fans mean to you?

It means a lot and I think they know it. I have time and again said this. And I want to say it again. They mean a lot to us and they say they are the 12th man and they definitely are, they are very important. Their support has been outstanding. I just hope that they can come in numbers and make sure that they keep us encouraged all the time because their support is why we have done so well in the last five years. We need you guys to keep coming and keep supporting.