We had a great start in the first half against Tajikistan- Mandar Rao Dessai

The 27-year-old made his debut for the Blue Tigers in the game against the Persian Lions.

One of the few versatile midfielders of his generation, Mandar Rao Dessai, who made his debut for the national team in India's 2-4 defeat against Tajikistan at the Intercontinental Cup opener had a media interaction ahead of India's match against DPR Korea on Tuesday.

Dessai mainly spoke regarding his experience of donning the Blue jersey for the first time and also about his club career. 

"Playing for the national team is a great thing for a footballer. The main aim was to play for the national team," he said regarding the experience of donning the Blue for the first time. 

The 27-year old was primarily a left winger for the various clubs he has featured in his long illustrious career. But at FC Goa under Sergio Lobera, Mandar started playing in the left back position and earned his fair share of plaudits with his performances for the Gaurs last season. He was a vital cog in Lobera's side which went on to win the Super Cup.

"I always played as a left winger and last year Sergio Lobera asked me to play as left back. I accepted the challenge and tried my best. It was difficult at the start but i slowly adapted to the position".

The Goan local boy was quizzed about his experience on working with Brazilian legend, Zico during his time at FC Goa. He said, "There were big players like Robert Pires and Lucio at that time and they all motivated me and believed in me and said that i will have a great future. This is how coach Zico motivated me and told me to believe in myself."

Right from a youngster in Goa, Mandar had dreams of representing his country since his days at Dempo SC. He spoke about former Indian players like Clifford Miranda and Mahesh Gawli who were his teammates at that time and how they motivated him to keep chasing his dream.

"When I played for Dempo I always wanted to play for the national team. Players like Mahesh Gawli and Clifford (Miranda) who were in the national team inspired me and believed in me that one day i will play for India."

Mandar who turned 27 earlier this year had a stellar 2018-19 campaign with FC Goa as the Gaurs lost out in the ISL final and won the Super Cup. On being asked about his age and whether it is a bit too late for him on not, he said: "I feel age is just a number. I have to keep my head down, work hard and keep moving forward. It was a great feeling to wear the Indian colours and be on the pitch. Now, I have to keep my place in the squad and I'm always ready to play whenever the coach wants me to."

On his auspicious debut for the national team, it was not a merry result for the Igor Stimac and his Blue Tigers after suffering a heavy deefeat against Tajikistan. "We had a great start in the first half. Whaterver happend in the second half is not good but we have to work hard and cannot be demotivated. We as seniors need to motivate the youngsters as they are coming from youth setups.

The FC Goa man believes that he has enough quality to feature for Stimac's men in Blue despite the competition in his position. Mandar feels his versatility makes him different from the others and allows the coach to have an attacking option up his sleeve.

Watch Mandar Rao Desai full video interview 

Speaking about Stimac's style of play, Mandar reveals that there isn't much difference between Lobera's possession play to Stimac's transitional style. "The coach wants the team to keep the ball and move up the pitch slowly, which is a style I am familiar with at club level as well."

The Indian national team will face DPR Korea in their next match in the Intercontinental Cup. The Chollima have recently suffered a heavy 5-2 defeat against Syria in their opening fixture and will be eager to win their next fixture.

Mandar concluded the media interaction speaking about the crowd in their last game and how the game can progress in a new state like Gujrat.

"I was delighted when I saw so many people in the stands in the first game and it shows that the people in Gujarat really have an interest in football. As time goes by, I hope the passion will increase and we will see more players emerge from here."