Ayush Chikkara aspires to be a ‘regular’ in Mumbai City FC’s team, says doesn’t want to take any external pressure

Mumbai City FC forward Ayush Chikkara wants to find a regular place in Petr Kratky’s team and he doesn’t want to take any pressure of playing at the top level. The 22-year-old is yet to play a game for the Islanders in the ongoing season and played four in the previous edition of the tournament but could not find the back of the net.

The youngster also dreams to play for the national team and tick the right boxes in his career. Chikkara suffered a knee injury in March and he is currently on the recovery path. The young lad wants to push the limits to achieve his goals and deliver consistent performances.

“I don’t take pressure from outside, I don’t see expectations from others. I just expect things from myself. There are some expectations I have for myself. I want to play for the national team. I want to be a regular in the Mumbai City FC side. I want to score goals for the club. Those are my goals and those are the expectations I have for myself. So, I try to push myself to reach them,” Chhikara said in an interview with IANS.

Chikkara also showered praise on head coach Petr Kratky for all the support during his recovery process.

“During my low times, he (Kratky) took up to me. He never made me feel like I was not part of the squad. So, that really mattered a lot and his support is always there for the youngsters, which will really help me and all the other players to grow under him,” he said.

The striker said he is focussed on training well and he will try to give his best to the team whenever he gets his chance in the playing XI.

“I’m just focused and training well. I know I’ll give my best whenever the coach gives me a chance. I don’t put pressure on myself in terms of having to try and do this or do that. I want to give my hundred per cent, and the results will follow. I believe that,” the forward stated.

The Islanders will next face Punjab FC on November 26 at the Mumbai Football Arena.