STANDING ON THE FIELD WHEN THE NATIONAL ANTHEM PLAYED GAVE ME GOOSEBUMPS: EUGENESON LYNGDOH

NEW DELHI: Eugeneson Lyngdoh has a simple motto in life — ‘Work hard, play harder.’ Dubbed as one of the hottest sensations in the ongoing Hero I-League, he has been an anchor to Bengaluru FC’s midfield. Consistent, for both Club and Country, Lyngdoh’s prowess was on display in his International debut against Nepal. In an exclusive interview with www.the-aiff.com, the 28 year old talks at length about his debut for India, influence of Coach Constantine, the Hero I-League and a lot more.

EXCERPTS:

Bengaluru FC are doing wonders in the Asian Competition and are in contention for the Hero I-League. How do you describe that?

We’ve constantly been among the top three Teams and are in contention to retain the title. If we work hard and make sure results go our way. On the Asian front, we are on course to make it out of the group stages and that says a lot about how we have been working as a Team.

How was the feeling when you made your debut for India?

It was an incredible feeling to say the least. It’s something that I had always wanted to achieve. Standing on the field when the National Anthem played gave me goosebumps!

How was your experience?

I felt like I achieved so much being able to make the Starting XI on my first call up to the National Team. Obviously, it is a long journey and I am certain there will be many happy memories but a debut is always special.

How has Coach Stephen Constantine helped you and how do you find his training methods?

He has a very systematic approach to the game which is good. Every Player knows his duty which makes it easier for us to play. I was very happy that he showed faith in me by handing me a start and I look forward to learning more from him.

How easy was it to adjust and coordinate with the Senior Players in the National Team setup?

The fact that Sunil (Chhetri) and Robin (Singh) are part of Bengaluru FC made things easier for me. I got along with all my teammates rather easily.

Tell us about the Induction Ceremony of the National Team.

The new boys had to break into the squad by singing a song so that was funny and odd because it’s been a while since we did something like that. It took me back to college.

What inspires you to perform at consistent levels?

The passion for the sport and nothing else. They say you’re only as good as your last game so it’s nice to be part of something that gives you a chance to beat the challenge week in, week out.

Five things we learnt from I-League Round 19

n another week of I-League, Mohun Bagan answered Bengaluru's challenge by registering three points much like their rivals...

Round XIX of the I-League saw East Bengal, Mohun Bagan and Bengaluru FC do a double over Dempo SC, Pune FC and Bharat FC respectively.

Pune's woes began after defeat to Bagan

Pune FC had a picture perfect start to the season. A 1-1 draw against Salgaocar FC was followed by three commanding victories, including a masterclass against reigning champions, Bengaluru FC. Yet after a tame 1-0 loss at Mohun Bagan, things have gone awry for Karim Bencherifa's side. Pune FC lost key personnel at opportune moments and could only win three matches in the next 12. In fact even the in the three matches (Royal Wahingdoh, Salgaocar FC and Dempo SC) they won thereafter, Pune FC never really dominated the games. In the crucial week which could have seen them re-establish themselves as title contenders when they faced Bengaluru and Mohun Bagan, all on home turf, they failed to pick a single point. Thus ended their title hopes and yet another mid-table finish beckons the Red Lizards. A season that began on a promosing note has certainly failed to live up to its expectations.

Bharat's poor recruitment has led to this disastrous season

The Lions were always earmarked for a bottom half finish as they were a brand new entity in Indian football's top flight. Unlike newly promoted Royal Wahingdoh, which had a backbone of talented young players to choose from that formed the spine of the team, Bharat FC fashioned itself on several 'has-beens' of Indian football. The combination of woeful players who lack creativity and finishing skills has let them down big time. Most of their players are living off their reputations and are clearly mere skeletons of their glory days. While a Bengaluru FC had a Mandar Tamhane, their chief technical officer to thank for putting together a strong squad in their very first season in India, Bharat FC lacked strategy and vision which became all the more evident in the listless performances meted out by their players each week. One certainly expects a much better display from a team who have the luxury of getting relegated, as was pointed by former Mohun Bagan assistant coach Sujit Chakraborty.

Royals' show time and again how to come back

After the disappointing 3-2 loss against Dempo, The Royals failed to recover against Mumbai FC as they were held 1-1 at home. An interesting trend has however, come to the fore. Wahingdoh cruise to win those matches where they have scored an early goal and have stamped their authority. However, when they do concede early goals, they have shown a tremendous ability to absorb pressure and come up with the goods no matter how late. Statistically speaking Kashyap's boys' 'Never say never' attitude is typified by late goals earning them points in as many as seven matches so far which includes three wins and four draws.

Luck finally shines on Salgaocar away from Goa

In their six away matches before the Shillong game, Salgaocar FC had won once and lost five. The solitary win had come against next door rivals, Sporting clube de Goa at the Fatorda Stadium in Goa. Coach Derrick Pereira can now breathe a sigh of relief with the 3-1 win over Shillong Lajong. It's not that they have been completely outplayed as their last four away defeats might indicate. They could have easily picked up points against Pune FC or East Bengal, wherein they lost by a goal. Against Mohun Bagan too, they had found the back of the net in the second half but the goal was ruled out for offside controversially. Lack of able support upfront in the absence of Darryl Duffy and a shaky defense have been two major reasons why Salgaocar FC haven't fared well this season. For once though, The Greens got the result they desperately craved for and moved to sixth position on the standings.

A change in formation works wonders for East Bengal

Eelco Schattorie experimented with a slight tweak in formation to great effect as they thrashed Dempo SC 3-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium. The Dutch coach admitted to playing in a 4-3-3 formation which saw the Kolkata outfit play much better than their previous performances. While the win against Salgaocar FC was a cagey affair, separated by a moment of brilliance from Ranti Martins, their free-flowing football opened up the Dempo defense time and again this time, as Schattorie's boys followed his philosophy to the tee, keeping the ball on the field and moving it around at will much to the bewilderment of the opposing side.