Hyderabad FC’s Alex Saji on captainship, relation with coach, new signings & more

The defender recently signed a three-year contract extension with the Nizams.

Rising from the ranks from being just a player in the starting eleven to becoming one of the youngest captains in Hyderabad FC’s history, Alex Saji has not only solidified his position as a rock-solid centre-back but has also emerged as a true leader in the Indian Super League (ISL).

Alex Saji has demonstrated maturity and composure beyond his years, proving himself to be a true leader both on and off the field. His journey inspires young players aspiring to make it to the game’s highest levels.

Saji spoke with Khel Now for an exclusive interview, discussing various topics ranging from his reason for staying back in Hyderabad to his role as a captain, and more. Here are the excerpts from the interview:

Reason for staying back with Hyderabad FC

After having an incredible season with Hyderabad FC, Alex Saji attracted lucrative offers from many clubs. On the contrary, not only did he choose to stay with the Nizams, but he also signed a contract extension with the side for three years. Saji elaborated, “The club has played an important role in my ISL journey, So I just wanted to stay here and play for this club. In fact, in the coming years, I want to win something with HFC. I just love this club.

“I believe this is just the beginning of my career, especially my ISL career which started here. I still have a long way to go. It’s been a wonderful city for me. We have got a wonderful management full of wonderful people. I’m just happy to be here.”

Role as a captain

While Alex Saji has been with Hyderabad FC for long enough, he put in some commendable displays in ISL 2023-24. The club duly repaid his faith and talent this season by naming him as the captain of the Yellow and Black. Talking about his additional responsibilities the defender said, “First of all, I thank the management and the coach for giving me this opportunity. I have been playing with a lot of great players like Joao Victor, Laxmikant Kattimani, Nikhil Poojary, and Bartholomew Ogbeche. I’ve been lucky to be playing with them.

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“They are very good players and these are the kind of players I have experience playing alongside. I know they are leaders. I have had some wonderful experiences and great memories with them. I think in that process I have learned many things from them. And now as a captain, I think I have an opportunity to prove myself, to lead the club. I will do my 150% for sure,” Saji further stated.

Relationship with Thangboi Singto

Hyderabad FC’s head coach Thangboi Singto has been instrumental in the growth of Alex Saji as both a player and a leader. Talking about his bond with the tactician, he said, “Coach Thangboi Singto and I go way back. Since I was 17 years old, he has been there for me. He is the one who selected me (at the) under-18 (level) or here, he trusted me everywhere. He has been there for long in ISL and Indian football. He knows a lot of things – probably everything about the sport.

“He knows many languages too which makes it easier for him to communicate with all the players. As an Indian coach, he is perfect for the club. He can manage all kinds of players whether they are senior ones or young players. He chose me in tournaments when I was young. And until this year, all my career, he has been there. He knows me very well and has always been there for me.”

On how he stays focused and motivated during defeats

Hyderabad did not fare well last season in the league as they only managed to rack up one victory. Similarly, the Nawabs started their ISL 2024-25 journey with two consecutive defeats. The centre-back shared his way of staying focused and motivated during times of adversity. He recalled, “For me since the beginning of this season I was very sad and disappointed. We lost two matches consecutively and last year, we just won one game. It was a difficult situation; whatever had happened in the last year. Still, we had one victory finally, so we tried to win one more match but we drew against Northeast United FC.

“It was a great memory, a great experience. The young boys, they did their part very well. The young guys showed that they could play ISL too. It’s a competitive league. It keeps getting better every year. Every team’s performance has been great. We started our preseason very late. Thanks to the Jindal Group and management, we are here. The support is very huge.”

“So staying focused and motivated is important. We are very motivated to prove our worth. But I also think we need to focus on the results now. We need some results for the motivation of the boys. I don’t take any positive things from the last match at least. If we take things positive things, even if we lose and still don’t work towards it, I don’t think it’s a good thing. We just need to win games sometimes. After all, every time we lose a game we are losing points. So we want to win some games to gain some confidence,” Saji also added.

ALSO READ: Hyderabad FC’s Thangboi Singto hopes to return from break stronger

Changes in the team when compared to last season

While Hyderabad FC struggled last season, this season the team seems more strong and refined. They have been trying to create chances and have improved significantly. Talking about the changes, Alex Saji expressed, “This year, we have the same style and mentality. We just want to play good football. We don’t want to think too much about the results. Even though at the end of the day, the result is the main thing. But still, we want to play a great game.

“After all, we just want to show our gameplay to the fans. We have some loyal fans here. They’ve been there for us at home and away matches. They travel everywhere and I hear them cheering for us every time. That’s one of the reasons why we just want to play good football and make them proud too.”

Thoughts on Hyderabad FC’s latest signings

The BC Jindal Group’s takeover has given Hyderabad FC much-needed financial fluidity, allowing them to make some crucial signings. The same signings have proven to be vital for the team so far as it has created a unique blend of young and experienced players with some talented foreigners in the mix.

Alex Saji was all praise for his teammates. He fondly said, “We have got senior players that support our young Indian players. They are very humble and are very friendly with the players. The team is full of positivity. There is no room for negativity there. It’s a great bunch of people. I mean they show great character.

“The foreigners especially, are lovely people. Now, Safa( Stefan Sapic) has joined us very recently. Cy (Goddard) and Allan (Paulista) had reached earlier. These three are great. We can see that on and off the field too. Other players too, everybody is just the same. They don’t view me as only the captain of the team; they first treat me as a friend.”

“I just started my career. Many players like Rafi, Rabeeh, Chhunga, Isaac, and all of us are young but we have ISL experience. We have good additions who have already played for ISL. There are also some senior players. And they are already taking responsibility.

At this point, all of us have a role and important responsibilities in the team. And we wish to work together on winning the upcoming matches as a team,” he concluded

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