Gurpreet Singh Sandhu urges all young Indian football players to play abroad
Indian goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, who has been playing for Norwegian club Stabeak, wants more of his compatriots to play abroad to gain international experience. Gurpreet also talked about the difficult transition in the Indian football team as the new generation takes over the guard.
“My aim was to play in Norway, break into the first team and play in the first team. I have grown as a player in all aspects of the game. I will try to keep getting better. Playing in Europe is better for me," he said at the Andheri Sports Complex stadium in Mumbai.
He said the younger ones, especially the Under-17 players, can play outside the country with better guidance.
"By playing club football outside of the country, Indian football is going to progress. I believe every one of them can play outside India, especially the under 17 players. The younger the better," Gurpreet told reporters on Wednesday, reported PTI.
Speaking about the challenges that he had to face in his way of playing club football outside the country, he said, “It has been an uphill battle for me. When I went to Norway first I was not at that level. I had to make myself capable of playing at that level when I was ready, I challenged him (first choice goalkeeper Sayouba Mande of Ivory coast). I learnt a lot from him and he says he has learnt a lot from me. I don't know what."
Challenges ahead for the Indian football team are aplenty. As the seniors have been transitioning out and juniors coming in, Gurpreet said, “It's a pretty tricky situation. It's very important for the national team to have that kind of transition. We need to have long-term plans and that's what the coaching staff has. It's always good to see young players coming in and getting an opportunity to play in the national team."
Ahead of the friendly battle against the World No.114 Puerto Rico in Mumbai, he exuded confidence saying that India are up for the challenge.
“I am pretty ready, always ready. I am looking for the opportunity. They are a good side according to their ranking, but we are ready for the battle.”
"I am lucky to play under Constantine sir. He has done well. His coaching makes players' mentally stronger which is good," he remarked about playing under chief national coach Stephen Constantine.
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