Kolkata: India center-back Chinglensana Singh stated that compatriot Sandesh Jhingan’s European stint would open up more opportunities for him and the rest of the players. The Indian defender on Wednesday has signed a two-year deal with Croatian top-division side HNK Sibenik.
“What Sandesh-paji has done is amazing and it is really good for us as players. We need to look further and explore Europe and other places to improve ourselves, and the national team,” Chinglensana, fondly known as ‘Sana’ among his peers, said in an Instagram live with AIFF.
“I am really happy for him. He has opened the door for us. He is a great person and partner to play alongside. He plays his heart out and words are not enough to describe the experience of playing with him. We share a special bond,” added Sana.
Sana and Jhingan have formed a formidable duo at the heart of Indian defence and became vital cogs for Blue Tigers in recent times. With the latter realising his long-anticipated European dream, Sana also spoke about the positives and the impact Jhinga brings in the setup.
Practicing their way to perfection 💯#BackTheBlue 💙 #BlueTigers 🐯 #IndianFootball ⚽ pic.twitter.com/vZabnlaxoG
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) August 19, 2021
“I love the mentality and energy he brings on the field, and it rubs off on everyone in the team. It has struck a chord within me as well and I am learning a lot from him. Earlier it was Bhaichung bhai, Sunil bhai and then Gurpreet paji, who played abroad. And now it is Sandesh paji, who is a defender.
“I am 24 now and this is an eye-opener for me. I will have the privilege to learn from him as his defensive partner whenever he comes back, and what he will bring back to the national team will be huge and immense. I would like to follow in his footsteps and his move will encourage us to look beyond Indian football and reach that level,” Sana said.
“I am a player who is still developing and I want to keep growing. If I get the opportunity to play abroad, I would sure like to take it. It is a dream for any player to play in Europe. The more players will go, the better it will be for the national team as well,” he stated.
Head coach Igor Stimac has always been a dressing room favourite and Sana’s words for the Croatian did not reflect anything different. “I have learned a lot from coach Stimac in a short time. The time we spend with the national team is limited. But the coach makes sure he interacts with all the players and makes sure all details are followed,” Sana continued.
#IndianFootball steadily moving forward together, declares @SandeshJhingan after joining HNK Sibenik 📈🇮🇳
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) August 19, 2021
Read here 👉 https://t.co/vR0WeOWiE4#IndianFootballForwardTogether 💪 #BackTheBlue 💙 #BlueTigers 🐯 pic.twitter.com/skjsbQB3yB
“He ensures I know what I need to improve and work upon, and I appreciate that he is open and has very good communication with the players. He makes sure we are comfortable and confident before a match by taking the pressure off us and allows us to play our natural game.”
“As a defender, you know you have to look to keep possession of the ball for your team as much as possible and avoid making clearances if you get the opportunity. It is something I have learned from him, along with other aspects like tackling and decision-making – not to dive into a tackle until you are sure, along with being a leader of the team from the back,” Sana added.
India will face Nepal next month in international friendlies and also compete in the SAFF Championship in the Maldives a month later.
