I'm like big brother to them, asserts Gouramangi Singh on Anwar Ali & Sandesh Jhingan in exclusive interview

The former Blue Tiger also shared his thoughts about his days at FC Bengaluru United.

Gouramangi Singh, was a household name and synonymous with defensive excellence during his playing days. His formidable partnership with Mahesh Gawli in India’s defense is fondly remembered as one of the most cherished defensive pairings of the 21st century in the Indian national team.

As the natural progression of life unfolded, Gouramangi Singh, affectionately known as Mangi, transitioned his focus towards coaching. Currently in his second season with FC Goa as an assistant coach, he embarked on his coaching journey after spending three seasons with FC Bengaluru United, a prominent I-League 2 side based in Bangalore.

The former captain of the Indian national team, Gouramangi Singh, graciously agreed to an exclusive interview with Khel Now, offering insights into his playing days, the transition to coaching, and his experiences with FC Goa.

Initiation as coach 

Gouramangi Singh embarked his journey into coaching with FC Bengaluru United as an assistant coach under Richard Hood. Reflecting on his experience with FCBU, Gouramangi expressed his gratitude, describing it as a perfect atmosphere for his initial foray into coaching.

In his own words, Gouramangi shared, “My first official coaching assignment was with FCBU. And I don’t think I could have asked for anything better than the time that I had with FCBU. Because I had a lovely time there in Bangalore. I think I’ve spoken to you about it also earlier, that when Richard, you know, he’s not just a friend, but he’s someone who practically introduced me, basically brought me into this world of coaching, let’s put it that way.”

Gouramangi elaborated on the original plan, stating, “And when he did talk to me that, ‘Mangi, I want you to come to Bangalore,’ the plan was for me to come to Bangalore and spend about six, seven months’ time. But I ended up spending three seasons with FCBU. You know, it was an amazing great environment to work with. For that matter, I think I’m very fortunate.”

On how the FC Goa move came about

The 6ft1” inch Manipuri wall joined FC Goa in the 2022-23 season and reflecting back on his decision to join the club, he shared insights into the process that led to this pivotal career shift.

Gouramangi recounted, “When this opportunity…..this opening for the assistant coach came, my agent reached out to the club, they had a talk with my agent and we had a meeting, that’s how it all happened. I had a meeting with Ravi, who is the CEO and the Vice President of the club. And then it was with coach (Carlos) Pena, the two of us had a meeting. And I think I’m grateful to both of them and the club and the management, who considered me  suitable for the job.”

Difference of coaching in FCBU and FC Goa?

Gouramangi Singh, drawing on his extensive experience in football, provided insights into the contrasting coaching environments he encountered at FC Bengaluru United and FC Goa. While FC Bengaluru United participated in the local BDFA league and I-League 2 (the third division in the Indian Football Pyramid), FC Goa presented a different challenge as he found himself coaching Indian football superstars.

Reflecting on the differences, Gouramangi shared, “The dressing rooms are not new to me. Though I am in a dressing room as the coach today, but these dressing rooms are part of my life or a major part of my life, more than like close to 20 years, right? And like you talk about FCBU, for example, yes, it was in the I-League 2 and I got to work with a lot of young players and also some of the senior players, even I had played during my playing days.”

He emphasized the evolution of his role from player to coach, stating, “The job of a coach is to help the players in their growth, basically in their career. And that’s why I said that my response is very different today. When I was a player, you know you’re trying to help the team to win matches, you know by playing you know, giving your best on the pitch. But now, as a coach, I think there’s a lot more. There’s a lot of, lot of things.”

Coaching Anwar Ali and Sandesh Jhinghan

Gouramangi Singh, having the privilege of coaching two of the current best centre-backs in the country, shared his experiences working with Anwar Ali at FC Goa last season and Sandesh Jhingan, who is part of the Gaurs this season. Drawing on his own background as a former centre-back, Gouramangi expressed a fraternal bond with both defenders, viewing them as little brothers.

Reflecting on his coaching role, Gouramangi stated, “You talk about Anwar or… There were little boys when I was in Neroca, I saw them like Dheeraj(Singh), Boris, Anwar, and all these boys. They were like 16, 17 when Dheeraj, Boris, I don’t remember.

“But I played against him in the second half of my career. And I am, I have been their senior, basically, and now here, my role is different as a coach, but I’m like a big brother to them. And we, you know, there’s a hell of mutual respect, you know, for each other.”

Expressing satisfaction with their progress, Gouramangi mentioned, “So like, it’s more inputs and they are doing well. And so you can see that he is doing well for the country, you know establishing himself there. He was here first and now at Mohun Bagan and I’m happy, like, you know we all are like, it’s a small family, right?”

Speaking about Sandesh Jhingan, Gouramangi highlighted their longstanding acquaintance, saying, “And the same goes with Sandesh. Sandesh has been here, knowing him for many years. He was, I think we were on a few trips with the Indian teams. He was just coming into the national team, to watch in the last few trips that I had with the national team.

“So I know him, and I don’t have to speak much about Sandesh because he knows what it takes to be on top, right? And he’s a brilliant speaker, you know, and he knows. He is a very good person. He knows sometimes whenever he needs, I am here. Other staffs are here, the coach is here.”

Concluding the topic on an optimistic note, Gouramangi affirmed, “So I think they are in good hands.”

Second part of the interview will be released soon

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