Sandesh Jhingan: ” Our work starts immediately after the final whistle, and we never rest on laurels.”
After a historic moment in Doha, where team India scripted history, the team was felicitated by representatives of the Indian Sports Centre – Embassy of India, Doha.
The Indian team had a commendable outing against a Western Asian nation since 2001, when India beat UAE 1-0. The Blue Tigers held the Asian Champions Qatar to a goalless draw, at their backyard, missing out the likes of their captain marvelous, Sunil Chhetri. There’s no doubt that this match will be scripted in the history books of Indian football.
The AIFF Media was up and close with the robust defender, Sandesh Jhingan who excerpted the following:
I always dream big, and I believe my best is yet to come. But since I made my international debut for India in 2015, this one is historic. To come to Doha, and play against the Asian champions, and take away a point from their kitty is a really big thing, I am really happy and now we have to make sure we keep our feet on the ground.
However, there’s no denying that after the Oman game there was a slight feeling of disappointment in the team. Looking back, we still feel we should have taken points from that. In such a situation, we were aware of the task in hand. We respected Qatar to the fullest — they are the Asian champions and the kind of football they play is beautiful to watch. They are a good team, have a really good coach and are in great form as well.
We headed to the Qatar match with nothing to lose. Before this game, I had a feeling that we could take something away from it. I always say ‘it’s about dreaming big, if you can dream big, you can achieve big goals.’ I am extremely proud of this team, the characters, and the personalities associated with it. They are just so big.
In the team meeting, we stuck to the basics — do the work, stay disciplined, stick to the system keeping the right mindset.
Moving on, we need to be realistic. The forthcoming matches in October and November are too crucial. If we don’t win against Bangladesh and Afghanistan and manage away points from the Oman game, this point won’t matter much. To value this hard-earned point, we need to win our other games. We are getting better as a team, and as individuals. If we keep working like this, the sky is the limit for this batch.
Sunil-bhai’s presence in the dressing room was a big miss against Qatar. He’s the leader of the team. We were feeling bad for him because I know how badly he wanted to play. But that’s life, and that’s football.
But I have always had confidence in the players around me. And when I look around, my confidence grows. Gurpreet is one of the best in Asia at the moment, and players like Udanta, Chhangte, Sahal, Brandon, Thapa Ashique are all God’s gift to Indian Football.
I need to make a special mention of Manvir. He had an exceptional game, won 80-90% headers, held up the ball very well, and gave us that breather and those flick-ons to the flanks. It’s the best I have seen him play, and that talks of the improvement in the squad.
We defended with our lives. We stuck to the basics, and Adil, Rahul, and Mandar and I backed each other up. We were together, the communication was sublime, we were solid at the back.
Nevertheless, there were some errors, and as we head back, we will review the video of the game, check how we played. That’s the specialty of this team. Our work starts immediately after the final whistle, and we never rest on laurels.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t aware that Xavi was at the stadium. If I knew I would have loved to see him. He is such a legend and it’s an honor that he was there.
The Indian team is up against Bangladesh in their forthcoming clash of the joint qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2023 Asian Cup on 15th October at the VYBK Stadium, Kolkata.
CREDITS: AIFF Media
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also Read: Asian Champions Qatar held to a goalless draw by the Indian football team!
Also Read: Stimac expects a full house in Kolkata
Football Counter would love to hear your thoughts or feedback on your experience: Feedback on Football Counter experience
ISL 2023-24 Knockout 1 Preview: Playoffs fever grips the ISL as Odisha FC host Kerala Blasters FC with a semi-final spot at stake
Bhubaneswar, April 18: Odisha FC and Kerala Blasters FC will face each other in the first match of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs at the Kalinga Stadium in…
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,…
Ivan Vukomanovic: Seeing Kerala Blasters FC players shine for the national team gives me great satisfaction
Kerala Blasters FC head coach Ivan Vukomanovic is into his third season in the Indian Super League (ISL) and he has naturally overseen the rise of multiple young players who…
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…
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…
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…
ISL 2023-24 Knockout 2 Preview – Playoff Fever: FC Goa Hosts Chennaiyin FC in High-Stakes Knockout Battle
Goa, April 19: The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs reach a fever pitch as FC Goa prepares to host Chennaiyin FC in a high-stakes knockout clash at the iconic…
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…