Will give our best in 2019 Asian Cup: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu

Gurpreet Singh SandhuIndian football team goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu says they will look to erase the ghost of the disastrous outing in 2011 Asian Cup by giving everything on the pitch when they compete in the continental event next yearIndia were hammered by Asian giants South Korea Australia and Bahrain in the last edition conceding a staggering 13 goals in three matches Things are different though this time around following a fabulous 13match unbeaten run under coach Stephen ConstantineIts never easy to play against good teams and especially who are regular competitors in the Asian Cup In 2011 the team gave all their efforts and in 2019 also we will give our everything on the pitch and try to leave an impression Sandhu told PTI during an interview He added The national team has grown in the last twothree years and if we keep going like that then we can put up a good fight there in the UAE The lanky custodian became the first Indian to ever play in Europeiquests top division and the only national team player to ever start in a Europa League game for Norwegian club Stabaek FC in May 2016Constantines contract was recently renewed by the All India Football Federation AIFF amid speculations that some senior players objected to his style of functioning He has been a very important part in my national team career He gave me the opportunity to play for India He has been a very influential person in the national team over the last three years We have progressed under him Asked about his specific target for the year Gurpreet said he is seeking to maintain peak fitness through the seasonI want to play as many games possible for the club and country and I want myself to stay fit so that I am available for selection for the Asian Cup well take one step at a timeyears and if we keep going like that then we can put up a good fight there My fitness resolution is no excuses to stay fit anytime anywhere It is very important for a goalkeeper to have very strong wrists and forearms If you have strong hands you have the ability and the confidence to face a football coming at you at really fast speedsThe 26yearold custodian who turns out for Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League added Only if you have good strong hands can you stop and catch those shots aimed towards your goal When a ball comes flying towards your goal even the slightest of touches from a strong finger can be the difference between saving a goal or not Talking about his stint in Europe he said No disrespect to the level of Indian football but in Europe the level was few notches higher and much more competitive The atmosphere the weather all these things are differentAs a goalkeeper I have tried to stick to the things I learnt at Norway and put them to use over here So it has been a mixture and it has been a helpful experience Bengaluru FC in a short span of time have carved a niche as far as professionalism in Indian football is concerned I have a good coaching staff and it has helped me As a player I have played more number of games in the past 67 months in comparison to the three years I spent at NorwayIf provided with an opportunity in near future sure I would be willing for another stint in Europe if I find it worth itThe Red Bull athlete is associated with the Neymar Jriquests Five Football Tournament a fiveaside event Asked about his dream team for the event Gurpreet picked Neymar Jr Andrea Pirlo NGoloKanteacute Cristiano Ronaldo and his national team captain Sunil Chhetri When asked about his thoughts on the tournament he said Neymars signature football tournament is based on the belief that footballers never earn their skills in big stadiums at big clubs Their journey almost always begins on the streets with their friends like it did for Neymar JrMost legends started out on a mere obstaclefilled street but turned the mere street into a path A path to blinding success Neymar Jrs journey started with a street and a dream and continues with a stadium and a fairytale I feel this tournament has a unique fastpaced formatCatch up on all the latest sports news and updates hereDownload the new midday Android and iOS apps to get updates on all the latest and trending stories on the goThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever