Gearing up for the upcoming I-League, former AIFF Player of the Year Eugeneson Lyngdoh says holders Bengaluru FC are hungry for more. The Meghalaya lad spoke of his personal target this season, his on-field partnership with Harmanjit Singh Khabra, pressure besides other topics in a chat with www.i-league.org. Excerpts:
Is there pressure on you after being named the midfielder of the I-League last season?
Not really. It helps that I am part of a team who work for each other. The burden at Bengaluru FC is always shared and that has been one of the key reasons for our success. Yes, I want this to be a successful season for me on the personal front too but I will be approaching things without any pressure. It’s nice to get a personal accolade but it’s not something that would keep me up at night.
BFC’s complexion changed completely after your comeback from a prolonged injury last season. Do you feel more workload this time?
Like I said, this is a team that works for each other. When an injury kept me out for two months, there were others in the team who chipped in and kept us consistently in the top two positions in the points table. When I came back, I wanted to make up for the lost time and I am glad that I could play my part in winning the League eventually.
Bengaluru FC have accomplished every possible target in Indian football. What’s your personal target this season?
Everyone is in football to win trophies and I am no different. We’ve won two I-League titles and a Federation Cup but those don’t quell our hunger. Doing well in the league also translates into better performances in the AFC competitions. We showed the continent what our aspirations are and what we are capable of achieving. Personally, I would like to go out there with the boys and win every trophy we are competing for.
How are you gelling with Harmanjot Singh Khabra, your new midfield partner?
We’ve had a few sessions together and the new boys are adapting well to the system. As for Khabra, he’s an experienced player and that shows. I am sure he will be an asset to the squad.
What’s your personal take on the two new teams playing in the league?
New teams from different cities are always a good thing for Indian football. It was important that Punjab has some representation in the I-League considering it gave Indian football an institution like the JCT FC. Also, it’s heartening to see Chennai get a club of its own. The additions of these teams would play a big part in making the I-League interesting and successful in equal measure.
