Gurpreet Singh Sandhu’s Interview before INDvPUR

by Avinash Palai September 1, 2016

Indian Goal Keeper: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu practising 2 days before INDvPUR friendly.

Every day is a learning process; concludes India’s Goal Keeper, as he talks about his experience from Norway to Indian Football. Ahead of India’s International friendly clash against Puerto Rico.

Have you been getting a lot of playing time in friendlies and other matches?

Not now because I was injured. I got injured about two months ago and was in recovery for one month and two weeks. But after that, I have been getting the playing time and it is an uphill battle for me because I lost my spot and I have to fight for my spot, I have done that in the past and will do it again as I don’t shy away from any challenge.

What is your most memorable moment on Indian soil?

I think, my debut against Asia’s No.1 team; that’s my most memorable moment because you get to play against the top teams.

Your thoughts on Subrata’s recent event? Do you still learn from each other?

Of course! Every day is a learning process and I have been there in the National team since 2010 and I have also been training with him since a long time. Subrata deserved it, I think he deserved it before also, he got it a bit late but in the end its all very good.

What have you learnt from your time at Norway?

As I said its been an uphill battle for me and I was not ready at first. But when I trained and got capable enough then I started to challenge for the No 1 spot. So it’s truly a very great experience.

Gurpreet, India had to wait for 79 years to see a goalkeeper play in the European league. How is the feeling for you?

Let me rephrase that, nobody from India played in the European league ever. I think I never thought I would be at this point. It was a dream come true. I never thought I would be able to go to Europe and play for a European side but I feel great to have done that. Also, I feel very proud of the fact that I represent India. It’s truly a great feeling.

You left India when the ISL was going on. Do you think it was worth the risk?

Of course Of course! An Indian playing the European League! Don’t you think its worth the risk? (laughs)

How has Stephen Constantine been so far in his approach and how do you find his leadership skills? His ways of training?

Mr Constantine has been a great figure and has worked hard for all the individuals. We have got stronger as a team. His ways of training help us grow mentality. He has done a good job so far and much more matches to come.

With the coaching the Indian team has got do you think it is ready for teams such as Puerto Rico?

Yes, they are high in the ranking but we are ready for the battle and will give it our all. And India should play teams like these so that we can build ourselves well for the future.

The Indian team is going through a transition phase. Lots of new faces coming in, you are young as well but one of the experienced guys in the team. How has the reception been for you when you come from Norway with all the experience playing in Europe?

It’s a pretty tricky period as you call it, the transition period but I feel it is very important for any side to have that sort of period. You need to look forward and have a long term plan. That’s what our coaches and staff are working on. It’s great that many young individuals are getting the chance and if my journey motivates them and inspires them then I am really happy to guide them. We want to succeed together and make our country proud.

Talking about the high-class facilities what are the new goalkeeping aspects you have incorporated from Norway?

I don’t think I can specify a single aspect. I have polished all my skills and I strongly feel I have grown both physically and mentally as a player which is a very important factor.

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