Gouramangi set to test his skills

Gouramangi Singh, capped 71 times by India, has been a prolific performer in the domestic circuit, and had won the AIFF ‘Player of the Year’ award in 2010. The 28-year-old, who hails from Manipur, is now eager to test his skills against quality opposition in the inaugural ISL. The Chennaiyin FC defender spoke to The Hindu about his expectations from the new League.

Excerpts:

How different has the experience been compared to your time with I-League clubs?

The approach has been very positive so far, with the involvement of big stars — both on and off the field. Only the training ground has been a concern. But everything else — from the hotel, to food, to nutritionist, to physios — is so much better compared to what I have experienced before. It’s a big thing for us to enjoy such professional organisation off the field.

What about the on-field changes?

You can’t change the quality of Indian players [overnight] but the approach has been good. My generation [of players] always wanted to test our quality against the best in the world but there was not much opportunity. But now the ISL is trying to replicate the European football atmosphere here. Lot of good things will happen to Indian football over the next five to 10 years. Few of the best players in the world are here and the intensity of training is completely different. Of course the stadiums and other infrastructure cannot improve in a year. So, things are not perfect yet but it’s a great start.

But can the I-League and ISL co-exist?

Let’s not think about that now and just concentrate on the next three months. We can debate, listen to opinions and reach a decision once the ISL is over.

How has it been working with Marco Materazzi?

He has been very approachable and nice. He is always pushing us. The environment at the training ground is very positive and his encouragement motivates us.

How important will be the role of Indian players?

It’s a team game. So it’s equally important. And from the first day Marco has emphasised that. Even M.S. Dhoni [co-owner] said the dressing room has to be united. So we are trying to know each other.

Which team do you think has the best Indian players?

I feel it’s equally balanced. Because the domestic draft was a much better option than an auction.

And what are your expectations?

We have a short time to acclimatise and we are working hard. At the end of the day I want to play the ISL final.

http://www.thehindu.com/sport/football/gouramangi-set-to-test-his-skills/article6486227.ece