We need to be ruthless in our approach, says Gurpreet Sandhu

Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu is extremely excited to play the Asian Cup qualifiers in Kolkata, which he feels is the home of Indian Football. In a candid chat, Gurpreet opens up about India’s chances in the World Cup, the approach of the Blue Tigers, the significance of qualification to the Asian Cup, the change since 2019, and much more. EXCERPTS:
How much are you excited as the Blue Tigers embark on the final qualification campaign for the AFC Asian Cup 2023?
It’s a very important time for Indian Football as we have these three important games ahead of us. Personally, I am aware of how this journey goes because I have been lucky enough to experience it before. But it is a bit different this time — as we have only three games, and not 6 games as per the original format. So, it is challenging. But the good part is that we are playing at home, and are extremely excited.
How do you rate India’s chances in the Asian Cup qualifiers?
Every draw in modern-day football is a tricky one. We need to be respectful towards our opponents. Obviously, they have also been preparing for these three matches, and it’s understandable that they have done their homework much like us. We can’t take anyone lightly not at this stage because the stakes are high.

What will our approach be?
Even as much as we need to respect the teams we play, we need to be ruthless in our approach. We need to make sure we go out there to get the result. I believe we should be the one team that earns a ticket to the AFC Asian Cup 2023 from this group.
What does Kolkata mean to you?
Kolkata means football – as simple as that. When we were growing up all we knew was Kolkata is the home of football in India. Anyone who dreams of playing football in India will always cherish this dream of playing in Kolkata, at least once, and at the majestic VYBK.
What is the significance of qualification to the AFC Asian Cup for Indian Football?
It means progress and that we are doing things right. It is that place where we want to be again and again, and every four years. It’s a stepping stone for us. If we do well in the Asian Cup, there are more chances of us doing better at the World Cup Qualifiers.

Which memory of the 2019 Asian Cup stands out for you?
For me, and for all of us, the entire atmosphere of enjoying a world-class tournament stood out. It was as close as we can get to a World Cup kind of feel. The tournament is so professionally organised. Everything is so proper and sorted out. So that will always be a fond memory. And of course, the memorable game against Thailand which we won 4-1. Hopefully, we can recreate those moments again.
What has changed in the team since 2019?
In 2019 I was still one of the youngsters, but now I am not. I am now in the category of the older players (laughs). Also, the world was struck by covid and things have been very different since then. Our day-to-day lives have changed – how we approach training sessions, or how we move around in the hotel, and we are much more careful about our lives.
What is your message to the fans?
Shower your support and your love to the Indian National team because we play for you guys. We want Indian football to grow, and without the fans we are nothing.
Credits: AIFF Media
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also Read: Ambernath United Atlanta FC: The Invincible Kings of Mumbai Football
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football
Staikos Vergetis appointed new Head Coach for RoundGlass Punjab FC
RoundGlass Punjab FC is delighted to announce the appointment of Staikos Vergetis as Head Coach for the forthcoming Hero I-League 2022-23 season. Forty-six-year-old Vergetis hails from Greece and has nearly a decade’s experience working as a…
Manisha, Sunil named 2021-22 AIFF Footballers of the Year
NEW DELHI: Manisha Kalyan and Sunil Chhetri have been named as the 2021-22 AIFF Women’s Footballer of the Year, and the 2021-22 Men’s Footballer of the Year, respectively. The two stalwarts…
RoundGlass Punjab FC announces squad for Punjab Super League 2022
Mohali, August 12: RoundGlass Punjab FC is all set to begin its Punjab State Super Football League 2022 campaign with its first match on Tuesday, August 16, against Jagat Singh Palahi…
FC Goa names 26-member squad for Durand Cup 2022
The Gaurs are the defending champions of the Durand Cup Mumbai, August 10, 2022: Four first team players – Hrithik Tiwari, Muhammed Nemil, Phrangki Buam and Ayush Chhetri – will…
FC Goa announces T10 Sports as new Kit Partner
The brands have signed a long-term deal Goa, August 9, 2022: FC Goa is delighted to announce T10 Sports as the Club’s official kit supplier, signing a multi-year deal with…
Blue Tigers to play International Friendlies against Singapore, Vietnam
NEW DELHI: The Senior Men’s Indian Football Team will be back in action in September, when they play two International Friendlies against Singapore and Vietnam. The Blue Tigers will travel to…
Deggie Cardozo: No ‘added’ pressure in Durand Cup as defending champions
Goa, August 11, 2022: FC Goa won the hearts of fans last year with their stellar performances in the Durand Cup. Braving the odds, the Gaurs wrapped up their Durand…
WIFA Women's Championship / WIFA Women's Football League
WIFA Women’s Football League: Kolhapur Warriors Beat Kenkre In Tournament Opener
The opening game of the WIFA Women’s Football League saw Kolhapur Warriors beat Kenkre FC 3-1 kicking off their campaign with all three points The early morning fixture of Day…
WIFA Women's Championship / WIFA Women's Football League
WIFA Women’s Football League: Sasmita strikes three as PIFA kick off title defence in style
Match 2 of the WIFA Women’s Football league saw, defending champions PIFA Sports kicking off their campaign in style with a 5-0 win over Puneri Warriors The defending champions PIFA’s…
WIFA Women's Championship / WIFA Women's Football League
WIFA Women’s Football League: Aspire FC blows apart lawless United with a 4-0 win
Pune-based Aspire FC kicked off their WIFA WFL campaign with a convincing 4-0 win over Lawless United of Palghar Aspire kicked off the proceeding and took control of the game…
OSCAR SSE to conduct trials for Youth I League and YPL team in the U13 category in Mumbai
Mumbai-based OSCAR SSE will conduct trials for their Youth I League and YPL team on 16th and 17th July 2022 at Wings Sports Centre ground. Oscar SSE is a 2-star…
ROQS to host trials for MFA Super Division
ROQS is revamping their squad for the upcoming season of the MFA Super Division. The team is organising trials for the men’s football team on Monday, 11th of July, 2022….
MSP Academy is holding trials for the upcoming MFA Youth League
MFA Super Division club Mumbai Soccer Prodigies will be conducting trials for their MFA Youth League campaign on 22nd May 2022 in Bandra, Mumbai. Founded in 2006, the Mumbai Soccer…
Mumbai Football / Recommended / Trials
Football School of India to conduct Youth Trials
Mumbai-based Football School of India is going to conduct youth trials for its boys and girls squads. The trials will be conducted for players in the age group of under-13…
Bengaluru FC Elite Youth Football Trials
Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club that competes in the Indian Super League (ISL) and are past champions of the I-League and ISL. The club has launched its Soccer…
D’Souza Football Academy to conduct Youth Trials
Mumbai-based D’Souza Football Academy is going to conduct football scholarship trials for its youth squads. The trials will be conducted for players in the age group of under-7 to under-15….
Oscar SSE to conduct trials for Youth I-League in U13, U15&U18 category in Mumbai
OSCAR SSE, an AIFF Accredited Academy invites all U13, U15 & U18 players from ALL SOCIO-ECONOMIC backgrounds for football trials to join our Elite teams to train round the year…
Elite Division / MDFA / Recommended / Trials
Air India to conduct senior team trials for MFA Elite League on Monday
Mumbai-based Air India FC is set to conduct trials for their Senior Team to play the MFA Elite (Corporate) Division. One of the top-tier clubs from Mumbai – Air India…
MDFA / Mumbai Football / Recommended / Trials
Air India to hold youth team trials on Monday
Mumbai-based Air India FC is set to conduct trials for their Youth Team for the MFA Super (Corporate) Division. One of the top-tier clubs from Mumbai – Air India will…
MDFA / Recommended / Trials
Bhaichung Bhutia’s Residential Academy set to conduct trials in Mumbai
16th March, 2022: Bhaichung Bhutia Football Schools (BBFS) will conduct Residential Academy trials in Maharashtra for the academic year 2022-23. In the next few months, the trials will be organized…