“This Football series is of huge importance for us as. I feel it’s the perfect dress rehearsal before we take on Macau in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifier,” he said.

The nippy Manipuri hailed the ‘perfect team effort’ behind India’s successful run in International Football where they have won the 13 of the last 15 matches (including the unofficial match against Bhutan).

“We have struck hit the right chord at the right time. A team doesn’t comprise of just the players who play on the pitch but the entire support staff — be it the physio, the team trainer, the equipment manager, the masseur – everyone plays their part.”

“We can’t afford to be complacent till we hit the bull’s eye. We believe in taking one match at a time and we’ll continue to do so. We are getting closer to our dream with each game and we can’t rest till we clinch the ticket to UAE,” he pronounced.

Referring to competition within the squad, Jackichand stated: “There is a healthy competition amongst the players and that helps us to get into the right shape at the right time.”

“At the end of the day, it’s the Coach who will take a call but we have to push ourselves to achieve more.”

Jackichand also lavished huge praise on the youngsters in the team. The present squad training in Mumbai has 10 faces from India’s U-23 AFC Cup campaign where India put up a spirited show.

“The youngsters are perfectly fitting into the setup. We are a happy family,” Jackichand smiled.

“We complement each other. In the National Team setup, you have to be on your toes throughout. In fact, the youngsters keep the senior players on their toes. At the same time, they get to learn from the best in business.”

Jackichand’s solitary goal in the National colours came at the Mumbai Football Arena against Puerto Rico last September.

“The memory has been wonderful. I have a special connection with Mumbai. I can never forget this ground as my first International goal came here,” he went back to the victory against Puerto Rico.

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Rowlin agreed on personal terms earlier this week, has been a key player for Indian Super League (ISL) side North East United this season. Jackichand who has also been amazing for a couple of seasons is a great buy for the Red and Golds, and without any doubt, he’d be a major boost for his new side.

East Bengal has also agreed on deals with T.P. Rehenesh and Robin Gurung. The club recently won the local Calcutta Football League for the seventh consecutive time and will now like to replicate their dominance on the national level.

The post East Bengal signs Jackichand Singh, Rowlin Borges and David Lalrinmuana appeared first on Football Counter.

Diego Forlan has recently scored the winning goal for Mumbai City FC against Atletico de Kolkata which has taken them to the top spot in the Indian Super League (ISL) standings. He has so far scored twice for Mumbai City and has been a major boost to the squad.

On playing alongside Forlan, Jackichand Singh said: “It’s been phenomenal. He’s played all around the world in the biggest leagues and not to mention at the World Cup with Uruguay. There’s a lot to learn from him at every step.

Even on the field, he lets his skills do the talking. And playing alongside him is a privilege. He will help you out, point out your mistakes and also give you a solution. The experience has been great and I hope it continues to get better for myself and for the team.”

Bengaluru FC has taken Indian Football to another level. After clinching I-league title earlier in the summer, the blues has grabbed their place in the final of AFC Cup which has made them the first Indian football club to do so. Their massive rise and development in just three years have caught the eyes of the whole nation.

Speaking about Bengaluru FC, Jackichand said: “It’s a great achievement, no doubt that and I am very happy for them. This is the first time an Indian club has reached so far in the AFC Cup. And also, the Indian national team recently jumped up in the FIFA rankings. This only shows that Indian football is progressing in the right direction. Of course, a win in the finals for Bengaluru FC would be the cherry on the top.”

And last but not the least, the Manipur-born winger also discussed his first goal for the Indian National Team: “It’s always a great feeling when I pull on the India shirt and turn out for my national team. And a debut goal for your country is obviously a huge moment not just for me but for every professional! It’s one I won’t forget anytime soon.”

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