Gurpreet Backs Manolo, Says Asian Cup Qualification Is India's 'Minimum Goal'

India may still be searching for ir first win under Manolo Marquez nearly four months into his tenure but goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu on Wednesday backed he coach and said qualifying for next AFC Asian Cup is team's "minimum" target.

Indian football team's last victory was a 1-0 win against Kuwait in World Cup Qualifiers on November 16 last year. Since n, side has struggled, losing seven of its last 11 matches and falling in FIFA rankings from a sub-100 position in July 2023 to 125.

" past is past; we can't change it. As a team, we always want to win," said Gurpreet ahe of ir home friendly against Malaysia here on November 18.

"Phases like this happen -- re was a phase when we were winning and not losing.

"It's about how you handle it and not getting bogged down by it. We're lucky to get opportunities to do well again and again. We need to use games we've played against good opposition as stepping stones.

" (1-1) Vietnam draw was a good test for us, and we need to carry same understanding and energy into next game," he ded.

After a disastrous 2023 Asian Cup outing, previous he coach Igor Stimac was replaced in July this year by Marquez, who is also managing ISL franchise FC Goa .

Under Marquez, India drew with Mauritius and Vietnam and suffered a 0-3 loss to Syria.

transition has been marked by retirement of star forward Sunil Chhetri .

"A transition like this is always difficult. Everything would feel perfect if we started winning games right away, but important thing to remember is that we've played very competitive teams since coach (Manolo Marquez) took over.

"He's trying to instill his philosophy, and that's going to take time. In every camp, we're getting closer to what he wants from us as a team. With time, training, and level of coaching he has, I have no doubt we'll be a strong team in qualifiers.

“Qualifying for Asian Cup is something we should strive for every single time, as we've done in last two editions. That should be minimum for us. It should be a no-brainer for us as a team.”

Sandesh is a once-in-a-generation defender

upcoming match will mark comeback of India's defensive mainstay Sandesh Jhingan. He is returning after recovering from a knee injury he sustained in a match against Syria earlier this year.

"I'm very happy to have Sandesh back in squ. team is very young, and sometimes it's hard to have conversations with younger players. Having someone like him in dressing room is great.

"He's an important pillar for his club and national team. Like Sunil bhai, he's a once-in-a-generation player, defender for us," said Gurpreet.

He also hailed India forward Manvir Singh and said he is a "natural goal-scorer".

"Manvir is a very good player, with great physicality and stamina -- he can run up and down flanks. He has potential to be a natural goal-scorer, in my opinion.

"He's versatile and can be used on flanks or as a No. 9. Using him in both defensive and attacking set-pieces is key for us.

"We need players like Manvir to stay hungry for national team, to keep pushing our attacking threats forward," said Gurpreet.

Since taking over as India's No. 1 goalkeeper from Subrata Paul, Gurpreet has been a key figure for national team.

experienced goalkeeper emphasised importance of team unity and healthy competition as India prepare for upcoming Asian Cup Qualifiers.

"I don't think it's been a long time; in my opinion, it's probably been a short time (as No. 1 goalkeeper) in my experience," he said reflecting on his journey.

“I would love to play for national team -- it comes with a lot of responsibility. I know importance of it, and as long as I give my 100 percent, I'm satisfied. As for who plays or not, that's not my decision; it's up to coaches, and we have to respect that.”

He also praised competition within squ, singling out talented Vishal Kaith and Amrinder Singh.

"Vishal is a great keeper, a very talented player. I'm very happy for him. It's a pleasure to have him in team, knowing re's someone who can push me just like Amrinder did.

"If our roles were reversed, I'd do same for him. It's all about being in team. It's not about who plays or doesn't; it's about achieving our goal for Indian team.

"For me, it's important to do what I've learned from Sunil bhai. He always gives 100 percent, keeps a positive and competitive environment, and ensures mood is good. We're all working towards one aim right now, which is to qualify for Asian Cup," he signed off.