India should still be looking for their first win beneath Manolo Marquez practically 4 months into his tenure however goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu on Wednesday backed the pinnacle coach and mentioned qualifying for the following AFC Asian Cup is the staff’s “minimal” goal. The Indian soccer staff’s final victory was a 1-0 win in opposition to Kuwait within the World Cup Qualifiers on November 16 final yr. Since then, the aspect has struggled, shedding seven of its final 11 matches and falling in FIFA rankings from a sub-100 place in July 2023 to 125.
“The previous is previous; we will not change it. As a staff, we all the time wish to win,” mentioned Gurpreet forward of their residence pleasant in opposition to Malaysia right here on November 18.
“Phases like this occur — there was a section once we have been successful and never shedding.
“It is about the way you deal with it and never getting slowed down by it. We’re fortunate to get alternatives to do nicely many times. We have to use the video games we have performed in opposition to good opposition as stepping stones.
“The (1-1) Vietnam draw was a very good take a look at for us, and we have to carry the identical understanding and power into the following recreation,” he added.
After a disastrous 2023 Asian Cup outing, earlier head coach Igor Stimac was changed in July this yr by Marquez, who can also be managing ISL franchise FC Goa.
Below Marquez, India drew with Mauritius and Vietnam and suffered a 0-3 loss to Syria.
The transition has been marked by the retirement of star ahead Sunil Chhetri.
“A transition like that is all the time tough. All the things would really feel good if we began successful video games straight away, however the necessary factor to recollect is that we have performed very aggressive groups for the reason that coach (Manolo Marquez) took over.
“He is attempting to instill his philosophy, and that is going to take time. In each camp, we’re getting nearer to what he desires from us as a staff. With time, coaching, and the extent of teaching he has, I’ve little doubt we’ll be a powerful staff within the qualifiers.
“Qualifying for the Asian Cup is one thing we should always try for each single time, as we have carried out within the final two editions. That needs to be minimal for us. It needs to be a no brainer for us as a staff.”
Sandesh is a once-in-a-generation defender
The upcoming match will mark the comeback of India’s defensive mainstay Sandesh Jhingan. He’s returning after recovering from a knee damage he sustained in a match in opposition to Syria earlier this yr.
“I am very glad to have Sandesh again within the squad. The staff may be very younger, and generally it is laborious to have conversations with the youthful gamers. Having somebody like him within the dressing room is nice.
“He is an necessary pillar for his membership and the nationwide staff. Like Sunil bhai, he is a once-in-a-generation participant, defender for us,” mentioned Gurpreet.
He additionally hailed India ahead Manvir Singh and mentioned he’s a “pure goal-scorer”.
“Manvir is an excellent participant, with nice physicality and stamina — he can run up and down the flanks. He has the potential to be a pure goal-scorer, in my view.
“He is versatile and can be utilized on the flanks or as a No. 9. Utilizing him in each defensive and attacking set-pieces is vital for us.
“We want gamers like Manvir to remain hungry for the nationwide staff, to maintain pushing our attacking threats ahead,” mentioned Gurpreet.
Since taking up as India’s No. 1 goalkeeper from Subrata Paul, Gurpreet has been a key determine for the nationwide staff.
The skilled goalkeeper emphasised the significance of staff unity and wholesome competitors as India put together for the upcoming Asian Cup Qualifiers.
“I do not suppose it has been a very long time; in my view, it is most likely been a short while (as No. 1 goalkeeper) in my expertise,” he mentioned reflecting on his journey.
“I might like to play for the nationwide staff — it comes with a whole lot of accountability. I do know the significance of it, and so long as I give my 100%, I am glad. As for who performs or not, that is not my resolution; it is as much as the coaches, and we have now to respect that.” He additionally praised the competitors inside the squad, singling out the proficient Vishal Kaith and Amrinder Singh.
“Vishal is a superb keeper, a really proficient participant. I am very glad for him. It is a pleasure to have him within the staff, realizing there’s somebody who can push me similar to Amrinder did.
“If our roles have been reversed, I would do the identical for him. It is all about being within the staff. It isn’t about who performs or does not; it is about reaching our objective for the Indian staff.
“For me, it is necessary to do what I’ve discovered from Sunil bhai. He all the time offers 100%, retains a optimistic and aggressive setting, and ensures the temper is nice. We’re all working in direction of one purpose proper now, which is to qualify for the Asian Cup,” he signed off.
(Aside from the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV workers and is printed from a syndicated feed.)
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