Akash Mishra: Senior players at Hyderabad FC are always there to help us

The defender expressed his thoughts after making the headlines for his first couple of performances for the Nizams.

18-years-old Akash Mishra made the headlines after his terrific performance for Indian Super League (ISL) side Hyderabad FC last week. The former Indian Arrows defender became the first of his batch to make it into the first XI of any ISL side this season, when he played against Odisha FC in Hyderabad’s first match of the season.

Having started both the opening games of the season for the Nizams, he has already bagged the full 180 minutes of game-time, while also keeping two clean-sheets and a good 76.62% passing accuracy, which is quite impressive for a debutant. Khel Now got into an exclusive chat with the budding defender.

Mishra came up with an exceptionally mature performance on the pitch and while sharing his debut experience, the same maturity seemed to resonate. “Making my debut in the first game of a new season is obviously special for me. But, winning the game was more important. It boosts the confidence and gives a lot of motivation, not just for me, but for the entire team.” He further said, “As a defender, keeping a clean sheet was the best part of the game. However, it was just the first game of a long season and I know I still have a lot of work to do to prove myself.”

Asked about the composure that he showed on the pitch Akash Mishra praised the Indian Arrows setup as he gave all the credits to the AIFF-built developmental team. “My stint with the Indian Arrows has a lot to do with it. The two seasons I spent there helped me a lot to become who I am today.

"I not only worked on improving my game, but I also learnt how to handle pressure." He also believes his teammates at Hyderabad played a key role in helping him to show a balanced temperament. “At Hyderabad FC, my teammates help me a lot. Going into my first game in the Indian Super League, I was advised to be myself and keep it simple, grow in confidence and prove myself,” he revealed.

Akash Mishra played the perfect role of a centre-back alongside Odei Onandia in the Hyderabad defence. The teen hailing from Lucknow came up with timely clearances and maintained a sharp passing accuracy. He impressed the pundits further with his off-the-ball movement and hi ability to read the game. Sharing his experience of playing with the senior defenders in the team, Mishra said, “It was a great experience to play alongside the likes of Odei Onaindia and Joao Victor. There was a lot to learn. They are ready to help, be it in training or even during a game, they are happy to help correct my mistakes, which helps youngsters like me grow.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J06yamDcnME

He further gave an insight into the chemistry that the senior pros and young players at Hyderabad share. “Not just my defensive partners, every senior player in the team is always there to help each other in the squad. During training or even at the hotel, we constantly talk about how to improve as a team and that is the best part about my new club.”

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After their win against Odisha, Manolo Marquez – the HFC boss rated Akash Mishra highly, as he hopes he will become one of the "best left-backs in India" soon. Quizzed about the feeling after being praised by the head coach, the player stated, “I thank the coach for showing confidence in me and trusting me in the first game of the new season. It was a big opportunity for me and I am happy that I could repay the trust. I want to continue working harder and give my best in every game and every session in training. I want to improve and give all I can for this club.”

He is now focused mainly on learning and gathering experience from this season of ISL as he believes that he has a lot of areas in his game that need to be improved on to become a good player and also reiterated that Hyderabad FC is the right place for him to do it.” 

“Staying away from injuries is crucial as I have experienced in the past. Thus, getting as many games under my belt as possible and helping my team in every minute of every game I play will be my real goal this season,” said Akash Mishra as he signed off.