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.
Maharashtra State Mens Football League
Maharashtra football set for new era with launch of Maharashtra State Men’s Football League
The footballing landscape of Maharashtra is poised for a significant transformation with the imminent launch of the Maharashtra State Men’s Football League.
Nationals / Swami Vivekananda U-20 Men's NFC
Maharashtra announces U-20 Squad for Swami Vivekananda National Football Championship 2025
WIFA has officially announced the Maharashtra U-20 Men’s Team for the upcoming Swami Vivekananda U-20 Men’s National Football Championship 2025. This marks the second edition of the prestigious tournament with…
Manolo Márquez names 28-member probables Blue Tigers squad for Kolkata camp
Blue Tigers head coach Manolo Márquez announced the 28-member probable squad on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. The squad will assemble in Kolkata on May 18 to train for the FIFA…
Blue Tigresses to play Uzbekistan in two International Friendlies
The Senior India Women’s National Team will play two FIFA Women’s International Friendly matches against Uzbekistan in the May/June 2025 International Window. The two matches against Uzbekistan will be played…
Maharashtra State Mens Football League
Early Leaders emerge as Maharashtra State Men’s Football League kicks off with a bang
The inaugural Maharashtra State League explodes into action with Mumbai teams MYJ-GM and MH Oranje setting the early pace, while Magic Made Soccer shows grit despite disciplinary woes. The inaugural…
Nationals / Swami Vivekananda U-20 Men's NFC
Maharashtra U20s start Swami Vivekananda NFC Campaign with solid win over Himachal Pradesh
Maharashtra kicked off their campaign in the 2025 Swami Vivekananda Men’s U20 National Football Championship with a confident 2-0 victory over Himachal Pradesh. The Western state displayed a composed performance,…
SSE BFC Soccer Schools Announces Open Trials for 2025-26 Season in Mumbai
SSE Soccer Schools, one of Mumbai’s longest-standing football academies, has announced open trials for its 2025-26 SSE BFC Soccer Schools program in partnership with Indian Super League club Bengaluru FC….
South United FC Announces Trials in Pune for their Residential Academy in Bangalore
South United Football Club has announced its next set of trials for its new Residential Academy, which will be held in Pune. The trials will take place at the Club’s…
Corporate Football / MFA Elite Corporate League / Trials
Bank of India announces open trial for Mumbai Corporate League Campaign
Bank of India is set to make its mark in the Mumbai Corporate League and is looking for exceptional football talent to bolster its squad. The trial is scheduled for…
India Khelo Football Workshop returns to Mumbai for its 4th Season
The Indian Khelo Football (IKF) Workshop returns to Mumbai this September, bringing with it an exceptional platform for aspiring footballers to showcase their skills and seize opportunities that could transform…
MFA / Mumbai Super League / Trials
Somaiya FC announces trials for the upcoming 2024-25 Season
Somaiya FC, having secured a commendable 5th position in the MFA Super Division last season, has announced open trials as they gear up for upcoming season. The team, known for…
VR Academy to conduct trials for 2024-25 Season
Mumbai based VR Academy has announced trials for the upcoming 2024-25 season. The club is looking for talented young players to join our esteemed academy and participate in various competitive…
MH ORANJE FC U-17 Trials for the Upcoming Season
With a proud legacy of nurturing talent and achieving excellence, Maharashtra Oranje FC has recently made waves with appearances in I-League 2, securing a remarkable runner-up position in the fiercely…
Football School of India announce trials for Young Talents
Football School of India (FSI) has announced trials for young football enthusiasts in the upcoming week of June. A golden opportunity for aspiring players to showcase their talents and potentially…
Mumbai Super League club Charkop FC to conduct open trials for upcoming Season
Calling all aspiring football stars! Charkop FC, a MFA super division club based in Charkop, Kandivali, is set to conduct Open Trials for the upcoming season. About Charkop FC: In…
Academy / Football Academy / Trials
Mumbai 42 Football Academy to conduct trials for Youth players
Newly established Mumbai 42 Football Academy will be conducting trials for young footballers in the upcoming week.