Hosts UAE will be our toughest challenge: Gouramangi Singh
NEW DELHI, 22nd December, 2018 : Ahead of India’s participation in the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019, former Indian Captain Gouramangi Singh and scorer of India’s first goal in the AFC Asian Cup 2011 against Bahrain, dubbed the AFC Asian Cup as the biggest challenge in football in Asia. In an exclusive interview, Gouramangi talks at length about the team’s preparations, India’s opponents, the challenges, his opinion of the present squad, and a lot more.
EXCERPTS:
How do you think the landscape of Indian Football has changed in recent years and how has it affected the level of the sport in the country?
The landscape for football has changed a lot in the past 4 to 5 years. The national team and Indian Super League teams now give much more importance to sports science, research, academies and future generations which was not the case when I started playing. Now it’s good to see players play on better grounds, get higher level of coaching and travel and play in better conditions from when we first started.
What was your most memorable moment in the Indian national colours?
I was very fortunate to have been part of the national team which won a few trophies. But for me, the victory in the AFC Challenge Cup in New Delhi stands out as it helped us qualify for the AFC Asian Cup Doha 2011, among the top 16 nations.
How different would you say football is now from your time?
I think playing positions are very much the same and not much has changed. However, nowadays there has been a significant shift in paradigm in the manner one prepares for a match, recovers after matches, research, facilities and other support. There is a much more professional approach at present – be it diet control, rehab and many other support systems which we didn’t have in the past.
What’s your assessment of the kind of progress the National Team has done in the last few years?
What is good to see is that the players starting to play now are much better exposed in terms of feedback from coaches, exposure, better opposition, and the kind of feedback they receive from their coaches and staff. The video analysis has played a major role and that wasn’t the case prior. Players have always been determined to do well but now there is a support system that can give you proper feedback on where you can improve, and what are the shortfalls.
Where would playing in the 2011 AFC Asian Cup rank for you among your multiple achievements?
Playing in the AFC Cup in 2011 was the biggest moment in my career especially rubbing shoulders with so many players who had played the FIFA World Cup just a year earlier in 2010.
This time we have Thailand, UAE and Bahrain in the group. How do you rate India’s chances?
I would say UAE would be very strong. Their fans would also come in large numbers. Add to that, the team would be preparing to do well on home soil. I feel that will be our toughest match.
In the two remaining group matches against Thailand and Bahrain, I feel we stand with a chance and it would all boil down to the performance on the day.
Malaysia got a favourable result against Thailand and Bahrain have been up and down with the national team in recent years so we don’t really know what to expect. But at the same time, India achieved an away draw versus China and there is no reason to stay intimidated by them.
Who are our favourite players in the current squad? And your thoughts about the centre-back pairing?
I have played with many of the players in the squad and most are my good friends so don’t really have any favourites. Currently the defensive line of Pritam, Sandesh, Anas, Narayan, Subhasish are doing well. I think it’s more about the entire defence sticking to their job and doing well in this tournament rather than just the pairing.
Anwar Ali & Gouramangi Singh vs Sandesh Jhingan & Anas Edathodika – who would win in a 2v2 battle?
I would love to team up with Anwar like we did in the 2011 Asian Cup, and take on the current defenders in a 2 v 2 or a fun match one day and see who wins. (laughs).
What is your message to the Indian Team going into the AFC Asian Cup 2019
Do your best, and at the same time enjoy the moment as we don’t know when this opportunity will come again.
What would be your Dream XI for India over the years?
Having played with so many players over the years it’s difficult to choose a Dream XI. But I have watched a lot and have bene lucky to have played with some. So my team will certainly include IM Vijayan, Bhaichung Bhutia, JP Ancheri, Sunil Chhetri, Mahesh Gawli, Deepak Mandal, Renedy Singh, Subrata Paul and myself.
by Aiff media
RFDL’s National Championship Preview: A Heated Battle as Football’s Brightest Stars Vie for Title Win in the Final Four Showdown
The National Championship of the elite U-21 youth tournament, the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) begins on May 14, Tuesday, with four teams, i.e. defending champions Bengaluru FC, Muthoot FA, East Bengal…
Punjab FC, East Bengal FC to lock horns in Reliance Foundation Development League 2023 – 24 final after emerging triumphant in semis
Bengaluru FC and Muthoot FA to fight out in the third-place playoff Mumbai, May 14: Punjab FC and East Bengal FC qualified for the final of the Reliance Foundation Development League…
RFDL is the ultimate scouting platform – Thangboi Singto, Hyderabad FC Head Coach
Hyderabad FC head coach, Thangboi Singto, hailed the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) as the premier scouting ground for budding football players in India. As the 2023-24 season’s National Championship…
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…