AFC Asian Cup – India needs to adopt a smart approach: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu
ABU DHABI, 3rd January, 2018: Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu has been a top performer for the senior India team since 2015. In this interview he spoke at length about India’s opponents in the upcoming AFC Asian Cup, the goalkeeper’s role and understanding with the defensive line, learning from Subrata Paul and much more.
EXCERPTS:
The team will face Thailand, UAE and Bahrain in the group stage. Who would be our (India’s) toughest opponent?
GSS: I feel all are extremely difficult to play against. No team will come into the Asian Cup without doing their homework. I am sure the three teams will hold us in high regard as well. All three teams are huge challenges to face. We have to be smart in our approach and take it one game at a time. We need to get the best possible result in the first game and then approach the second match accordingly.
How important is communication between you and the defenders? How do you improve and work upon it?
GSS: Once you play with each other and gain confidence, it gets better. The more you play together, the trust level increases. Communication between defenders and the goalkeeper is the hallmark of a strong team. In my opinion, we have done well in that respect.
(Subrata) Pal rose to the occasion in the 2011 Asian Cup and was lauded. Do you feel any pressure?
GSS: Even at that point (no disrespect to someone like Subrata-bhai) I felt that I should be the one playing (laughs aloud and utters: ‘Just kidding’). I had that desire to play for the country and it was an eye-opener for me. He made a number of brilliant saves. I feel that as a team, we have to work hard to avoid getting into situations where the goalkeeper has to make saves all the time. We need to put in a strong team performance and be a difficult team to play against.
How would you compare the two Indian teams — the one from 2011 and the current batch?
GSS: The 2011 team consisted of various legends. All were talented and played under an incredible coach. However, if we consider factors like team development and playing in a similar system, I feel the batch of 2019 has the upper hand. The desire and the fire to learn defines our squad. I was the youngest player (aged 18) in 2011 and this time we have many U-23 players in the squad. It highlights the development of the sport at the grassroots level in the last 7-8 years in the country.
What are your memories from the 2011 AFC Asian Cup campaign?
GSS: It was very special as it was my first senior team experience. Training alongside the biggest names in Indian football was something that I never expected to do. I took every single day as it came and made every single moment count. I learnt as much as I could.
Any particular lesson from that group?
GSS: I learnt a lot from the senior goalkeepers – Subrata-bhai (Paul), Arindam-bhai (Bhattacharya) and Subhasish-bhai (Roy Chowdhury). Training with them was really enjoyable and I remember trying to ape them. Also, I have special memories of playing against Bhaichung-bhai (Bhutia), Renedy-bhai (Singh) and Sunil-bhai (Chhetri).
By AIFF Media
Also Read: AFC ASIAN CUP: Blue Tigers lauded by India football legend
Also Read: AFC ASIAN CUP: Blue Tigers do their bit for these special champions!
Follow Football Counter on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football.
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJGMSC Crowned Champions with a dramatic win over MH Oranje FC
In the heart of Mumbai’s football scene, MYJGMSC achieved a remarkable feat by becoming champions of the Mumbai Premier League in their debut season itself. This is no small accomplishment,…
I-League 2: MH Oranje FC’s decisive away game ends in a draw against United SC
A late goal from Sanchit Singh gave MH Oranje FC a breath of fresh life with the draw ensuring the relegation battle against United SC continues till the final day…
MH Oranje FC Gears Up for a Final Push in the MFA Premier League
MH Oranje FC’s Intense Final Stretch: Pursuing MFA Premier League Glory As the MFA Premier League 2023-24 season reaches its climax, MH Oranje FC is gearing up for an intense…
Indian Super League announces tentative venues for the 2023 – 2024 Final
Mumbai, April 23: The Indian Super League (ISL) today announced that the 2023-24 season final scheduled on Saturday, 4th May will be played at the home ground of the higher ranked team in the…
Odisha FC strike first blow with 2-1 comeback win in semis against Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Bhubaneswar, April 23: Odisha FC secured a 2-1 victory against the Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar in the first leg of their semi-final fixture…
Mumbai City FC produce miraculous comeback to seize victory in semi-final clash against FC Goa
Goa, April 24: Mumbai City FC inspired a sensational late resurgence to come back from 2-0 down to win the first leg of their semi-final fixture against FC Goa by…
Bengaluru FC’s focus on youth football is the reason behind our success in the RFDL: Coach Bibiano Fernandes
Mumbai, April 25: For the third season in a row, Bengaluru FC have qualified for the National Championship of the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL). The Blues are two-time defending…
Intrigue and rivalry heats up as FC Goa bank on positive momentum to stop Mumbai City FC in their tracks
Goa, April 23: FC Goa will host Mumbai City FC in the first leg of their semi-final fixture of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 on April 24, Wednesday, at 7:30…
Chembur United – JFC ride on Pradnesh’s late stunner to beat Carmelites FC 1-0.
In a thrilling MFA 1st Div encounter between Chembur United (JupiterFC) and Carmelites FC, the game saw both teams create several scoring opportunities, but a late goal by Chembur United…
AIFF Records Historic Rise in Women’s Footballers
~ President Kalyan Chaubey credits it to the introduction of ‘IWL-2’, – a second tier competition to professionalise women’s football ~ A ‘home-and-away’ format for top tier and availability of…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…