The loss of Sandesh Jhingan to an ACL injury played a huge part in India’s miserable AFC Asian Cup 2023 campaign and also in the home losses that cost them a place in the third round of Asian World Cup qualification. After a lengthy lay-off, Jhingan returned to play a big part in FC Goa’s second-place finish in the league phase of the ISL. Now, after lifting the Super Cup with Goa, in what was Manolo Marquez’s last game as the club’s coach, Jhingan’s eyes are trained on resurrecting India’s AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifying campaign. In this exclusive interview with Boria Majumdar, RevSportz’s editor-in-chief, he spoke about the Super Cup win, Marquez as coach and the importance of fans seeing the bigger picture.
Boria: Winning the Super Cup was a good end to Manolo Marquez’s time with FC Goa. Now he is completely towards the national team. What are your thoughts on this perfect farewell for your coach?
Sandesh: Good morning, and of course, it was massive for us to get our hands on the trophy. I think it would have been unfair to ourselves if we would have ended this season without lifting any trophy. We had a big gathering last July, where we promised each other that we will bring the glory days back to FC Goa. It was such a great feeling that how a city comes together for a collective mission. In spite of ups and downs I am o happy that FC Goa is back at the Asian level because big clubs need to play at big stages and I’m very happy to be part of it.
Boria: How important is doing well at the AFC level for Indian football, as in both Mohun Bagan and FC Goa?
Sandesh: It’s massive, when you look at the progress of the country. A country is judged by their performance internationally. Looking back at 2019 Asian Cup, we were never regular at the Asian Cup, but for the first time we qualified for two Asian Cups and then we saw the shift. Other countries started showing us respect. We will get more international games, more exposure to show how good we are, more attention, experience etc. In a selfish point of view also, because as individuals, we want to play big tournaments, win big trophies. I am sure Mohun Bagan would be aiming for a win at the AFC, so do we. What’s the point of going to a tournament if we don’t want to win it?
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Boria: What do you think we need to do collectively again, to make sure that we break into the top 100? So that club-wise… AFC, make a difference at the Asian level. Thoughts?
Sandesh: Even we were disappointed after the defeat against Bangladesh, and I put my hand up taking the blame. But we also need to look at where we have reached in the last 10 years. We were 172 and now we are near to 100. What made us qualify for two Asian Cups? We must have done certain things correctly that got us here. In this journey of mine, I have witnessed many low moments as a team and people have left the boat seeing unexpected results. But there were also people who believed and stayed. Twelve to 15 years ago, this would not have created so much buzz, but I am happy that it does now because it shows that people care. We will not let one result fill doubt in our minds. We are going for the third consecutive Asia Cup. There are five more games and when the qualifiers will finish, we’ll see where we stand. And I’m very confident that we’ll all do our best to make it to the third consecutive Asian Cup.
Boria: Despite us not having the desired results, people are still with the sport, shouting at the top of their voices at the stadium and outside. What are your thoughts on that? And the second question, Manolo Marquez has completely moved to the national team. Is he trying to steer Indian football forward?
Sandesh: I think Mohun Bagan are very grateful for the support they had this season or most seasons. They have fantastic players, a great coach and management as well. But I think their driving force this season has been the fans. I have played in the Salt Lake Stadium in the last game of the league shield, and experienced how fans create an incredible atmosphere.
About Manolo Marquez, for sure, he is the right man, that’s why he has been appointed. But I’m not the person who should make comments on this. I’m just a part of the national team, and for me, more important is to get the call-up.
Boria: Reflect on the last year?
Sandesh: I have been surrounded by amazing people. I have my family making sure that I have a smile on my face, and have a sane mind. Dedicated people taking care of my professional routine. I have a stable job, and all the necessities taken care of, so I have no idea what struggle is. I don’t want to over-glorify my achievement. I was just doing my job. Hence, could contribute in a very good season.
Boria: A message for football fans?
Sandesh: I want to thank them. And ask them to not crumble when tough time comes. Life in a narrow angle, it’s always a tragedy. But when you look it from the wider angle, it’s always a comedy. The wider picture will always make sense.
Also Read: Manolo Marquez guides FC Goa to first title in last assignment