Which team is Chinglensana Singh backing for the FIFA World Cup?

The defender shed light on how he plans to get a place in the National team's XI.

Chinglensana Singh has been a vital cog in the success of Hyderabad FC in the last couple of seasons and has also enjoyed a breakthrough in the National Team. He's a defender without whom probably it would have been very difficult for Hyderabad FC to win the ISL Trophy last season. A reliable candidate for Manolo Marquez, Sana, as he is popularly known, has won hearts across the nation with his sublime and consistent defensive prowess.

Recently Khel Now got in touch with the defender. The 26-year-old discussed everything from his club, to his idols to the national team and much more. Read below!

On Hyderabad FC and the culture in the club

After not being able to leave a mark at FC Goa, the defender joined Hyderabad FC in 2020. Since then, he has gone on to stack 50 plus appearances for Hyderabad FC. Chinglensana Singh lauded the club and appreciated their ambition.

He said he was convinced by the sportive project of the club, ‘’The club is very ambitious and you can see what we have done in the last 2-3 years. They have become a heavyweight in the league, and lot of teams respect Hyderabad FC. So, that has been life changing and I am glad that I took up this challenge.’’

He also mentioned that he loves the city of Hyderabad and he has enjoyed his time here. Moreover, he appreciates the fans' support who turn up every weekend to support the club. 

On his team's continuity from last season

Hyderabad FC lifted the ISL Trophy last season and have continued their fine run of form in this season as well. In the seven matches played, they have lost just once, maintaining a six-match unbeaten streak along with five consecutive clean sheets.

The 26-year-old shed light on the topic, "Of course, we lost a few players at a few positions. I think that as a team we are together as a group, and a lot of credit goes to the management and the head coach to continue the hunger in the team. We have played well until now this season and we are all very happy. But we want to finish at the top at the end of the league and we want to enjoy each game together."

The influence of Manolo Marquez

The Spanish manager has been hugely responsible for the club's success over the last couple of seasons. In fact, he was the one who believed in the defender's skillset and signed him.

Chinglensana Singh was all applause for Manolo Marquez’s influence on him and said, ‘’I think immense credit goes to him and his team. They supported me and taught me how to be a good person. His ability to get the best out of each player and the team is amazing. It helps the team perform even better at a high level and he told us to play to our quality."

On the club addressing the attacking issues and the lack of goals

Even though Hyderabad FC are the current table-toppers, they have only managed to win their games with a 1-0 scoreline this season (on most occasions) and they have scored more than one goal only twice this season. The defender said that the team is happy and are not worried about scoring more goals as they will eventually come.

He elaborated, ‘’Even in our last game, we played well, but we unfortunately lost. We can't win every game in the season so its bound to happen. It's a credit to the entire team for playing well at a high level consistently.

"We have been creating chances and we know we can do a lot better. So, going forward I am sure we will score more goals. I have complete faith in all of our players and it will happen. We have been able to get results even without playing our best football, so I am sure we will score more as we go forward," the defender added. 

On the partnership with Odei Onaindia and Juanan

After having played with experienced Spanish centre-backs Odei Onaindia and Juanan, Chinglensana Singh counted himself fortunate, lucky and grateful as he could learn so much from them. He told, "I love both of them, and I am lucky to play with both. The understanding I have with Odei is amazing and Manolo also helps us keep in shape and believe in our system. I have a lot of respect and love for both the players and I have been fortunate enough to play and learn from both of them."

Backup options in the centre-back position?

On being asked about the defensive depth in case there is any injury/suspension in the squad going forward, Sana said, "We are not worried at all, because we know the players and the squad depth we have. We are strong as a team, and I am sure anyone who will be put in the squad on any day will do his job.

He added, "We also have experienced players who can fill in when needed. We have Joao Victor who can fill in at left-back. We also have Indian players like Alex and Mendozi who are all good players. The key is to avoid injuries, but I am sure if needed anyone can step in and do the job for us. That is why we have 30 players in the team and they are all good players."

On his idols growing up

Whether it is world football or Indian football, everyone has idols and players they look up to during the early stages of them growing up. Chinglensana Singh was no different.

‘’As a kid growing up I followed Brazil and AC Milan (for Paolo Maldini). As I was growing up, they were the best teams and had great players. I am from Manipur so it's natural I fall in love with the game. At that time there were also a lot of great players like Renedy Singh in the team and as a kid I heard their names. My parents followed football and took me to matches as well. That was what got me interested into the sport." 

On his favourite centre-backs, he added, "Sergio Ramos, Virgil Van Dijk and Ruben Dias are amazing and I learn a lot from them.’’

His favourites to win the FIFA World Cup

With the FIFA World Cup in full swing this week, Khel Now asked him who according to him are the favourites to win the tournament. The 26-year-old answered, ‘’As a kid since 2002, I was following Brazil. Both me and my parents love them. Brazil always have a lot of flair and I will be rooting for them. There are a lot of good teams for sure, but I hope Brazil win and I will support them.’’ 

Breaking into India's starting XI

With the National team heading into a crucial year, and Chinglensana making 10 appearances for the country since his debut, we asked him how difficult is it for him to get into the starting line-up.

The defender said, "I think more than difficult, I need to keep improving, learning and that's the key. As soon as I do that, things will fall into place, as I am very confident on my abilities and on myself, as I keep performing well in the league. I just want to stay injury-free and be motivated and do well for the country whenever I get the chance."

He further added that he is very excited for the AFC Asian Cup next year and is focused on doing well for the country:

"It's a very important tournament for us and it's a tournament we want to play every four years, and also leave a mark on it. Everyone in the National Team is very confident and hopeful about it and we all know the job we have. I am sure all of us are working hard individually and I think the next months and games coming up are very crucial for us. So, if we win, we can go into the tournament with a lot of confidence and give our best there."

Goals for the season and message to the fans

Chinglensana Singh outline the objectives for this season by saying, "I think after becoming champions last season, we have done very well and started well. We are all focused game by game and we are very ambitious again this season. We would love to finish at the top at the end of the league and win the ISL."

‘’My message to the fans would be, I am very surprised and happy by the number of people who come to support us both home and away. So, keep supporting us and get more friends (to the stands), and your support means the world to us. We will enjoy the season together,’’ he concluded.