India should be trying to find their first win beneath Manolo Marquez practically 4 months into his tenure however goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu on Wednesday backed the top coach and stated qualifying for the subsequent 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 12 months. Since then, the facet has struggled, dropping 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 at all times need to win,” stated Gurpreet forward of their dwelling pleasant in opposition to Malaysia right here on November 18.
“Phases like this occur — there was a section after we had been profitable and never dropping.
“It’s about the way you deal with it and never getting slowed down by it. We’re fortunate to get alternatives to do effectively many times. We want to make use of the video games we have performed in opposition to good opposition as stepping stones.
“The (1-1) Vietnam draw was a great take a look at for us, and we have to carry the identical understanding and power into the subsequent sport,” he added.
After a disastrous 2023 Asian Cup outing, earlier head coach Igor Stimac was changed in July this 12 months by Marquez, who can be managing ISL franchise FC Goa.
Under 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 at all times tough. Everything would really feel excellent if we began profitable video games straight away, however the vital factor to recollect is that we have performed very aggressive groups for the reason that coach (Manolo Marquez) took over.
“He’s making an attempt to instill his philosophy, and that is going to take time. In each camp, we’re getting nearer to what he needs from us as a staff. With time, coaching, and the extent of teaching he has, I’ve little question we’ll be a powerful staff within the qualifiers.
“Qualifying for the Asian Cup is one thing we should always attempt for each single time, as we have finished 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 is returning after recovering from a knee harm he sustained in a match in opposition to Syria earlier this 12 months.
“I’m very glad to have Sandesh again within the squad. The staff may be very younger, and typically it is onerous to have conversations with the youthful gamers. Having somebody like him within the dressing room is nice.
“He’s an vital pillar for his membership and the nationwide staff. Like Sunil bhai, he is a once-in-a-generation participant, defender for us,” stated Gurpreet.
He additionally hailed India ahead Manvir Singh and stated 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’s versatile and can be utilized on the flanks or as a No. 9. Using him in each defensive and attacking set-pieces is essential for us.
“We want gamers like Manvir to remain hungry for the nationwide staff, to maintain pushing our attacking threats ahead,” stated Gurpreet.
Since taking on 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 assume it has been a very long time; in my view, it is in all probability been a short while (as No. 1 goalkeeper) in my expertise,” he stated reflecting on his journey.
“I’d like to play for the nationwide staff — it comes with plenty of duty. I do know the significance of it, and so long as I give my 100%, I’m glad. As for who performs or not, that is not my resolution; it is as much as the coaches, and now we have to respect that.” He additionally praised the competitors throughout the squad, singling out the gifted Vishal Kaith and Amrinder Singh.
“Vishal is a good keeper, a really gifted participant. I’m very glad for him. It’s a pleasure to have him within the staff, figuring out there’s somebody who can push me similar to Amrinder did.
“If our roles had been reversed, I’d do the identical for him. It’s all about being within the staff. It’s not about who performs or does not; it is about reaching our purpose for the Indian staff.
“For me, it is vital to do what I’ve realized from Sunil bhai. He at all times provides 100%, retains a constructive and aggressive atmosphere, 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.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV employees and is revealed from a syndicated feed.)
