Aakash Sangwan, termed “one of the best left-backs on the ball” in the league by club and national team coach Manolo Marquez, is enjoying life in Goa, having just scored versus his former side Chennaiyin FC. In an exclusive conversation with Footy India, Aakash spoke about his decision to leave Chennaiyin, life in Goa, and competition with Jay Gupta, among other things.
Aakash Sangwan on why he joined FC Goa:
Earlier this season, Aakash Sangwan decided to leave Chennaiyin FC and join FC Goa on free transfer. Since joining the Gaurs, Aakash continues to exhibit his excellent form, playing an important role in Goa’s successful campaign thus far, competing with Mohun Bagan for the ISL Shield. Aakash discussed why he joined the Gaurs and the influence Manolo Marquez had on his decision.
“I’ve always thought about and planned to play football in Goa because of the football culture here and also, I love the culture of Goa in general. So, when the opportunity came, I had to grab it.”
“I’ve always enjoyed watching Coach Manolo’s team play but more than that, I’ve heard a lot of good things about him as a coach from even the players that haven’t even played a lot under him or haven’t played at all but were part of his team. This means a lot about a coach in my opinion.”
Aakash Sangwan on leaving Chennaiyin FC:
Following a successful tenure with Punjab FC in the I-League, Aakash was signed by Chennaiyin FC, giving him the opportunity to make the move to the ISL. He quickly adapted to the league and demonstrated his abilities. Sangwan discussed his stint with the Marina Machans and how Owen Coyle responded to his move away from the club.
“I had an amazing time for two years with Chennaiyin, and everything clicked for me there and I was loving it, so it was hard to leave the club but also something that had to be done.”
“I had a really good relationship with Coach Owen and he always treated me well when I was playing for him, he wasn’t happy that I decided to leave but he wished me well for the future, gave me his blessings and never made me feel like I’m doing something wrong because he has been in this life of football way more than most of the people in our country.”
Aakash Sangwan on Balancing Attack and Defense:
Although he is a very good defensive player, Aakash is more frequently commended for his outstanding attacking skills. During his two seasons at Chennai, he scored twice and assisted five times. The trend has continued in Goa, with Aakash scoring once and assisting twice while creating 16 chances going forward. The FC Goa left back underlined how crucial it is for modern-day full-back to be strong on both ends of the pitch.
“In today’s football, full-backs attack a lot more than they used to in the past but we are still defenders at the end of the day so we need to keep the balance in both aspects of the game. Meanwhile, I have to say that nothing hurts more than costing your team a goal.”
Aakash Sangwan on Jay Gupta:
Jay Gupta returned to India with FC Goa last season and was undoubtedly one of the top left-backs in the league. He was even called up to the national squad for his outstanding performance. However, Aakash has been the main option at left back this season and has performed admirably. Aakash talked about Jay Gupta’s qualities and how he challenges him.
“Jay is a brilliant player and more than that, an amazing teammate. He has shown what he is capable of, and I think everyone in the country knows it as well. We have a very healthy competition in training and both of us wish nothing but the best for each other.”
Aakash Sangwan on leaders at FC Goa:
FC Goa has an excellent blend of young and seasoned players. They have outstanding leaders such as Sandesh Jhingan, Odei Onaindia, Carl McHugh, and Rowllin Borges, to mention a few. Aakash Sangwan discussed how his defensive partners Odei and Jhingan have helped him develop.
“If I’m being honest, I can’t say enough good words about both of these guys (odei Onaindia and Sandesh Jhingan), they are pure role models for anyone in Indian football. Probably the best leaders I have come across in my life, and I will also add Carl (McHugh) to the list.”
Aakash Sangwan on Manolo Marquez’s plaudits:
Following FC Goa’s tie with Northeast United, Manolo Marquez claimed that Aakash Sangwan is one of the league’s top left-backs on the ball, which is one of the reasons the club bought him. The left-back discussed how it feels to have the coach heaping praise and trust on him.
“Haha, it feels good to hear nice things about yourself and that too when it comes from the head coach but I have learned this the hard way – that, if your confidence comes from how others perceive you as a player or a person than sooner or later it’s going to be shattered, so I try to give myself concrete reasons to be a confident man in life.”
Aakash Sangwan on the ISL Shield:
Despite a shaky start to the season, FC Goa are currently on a 13-match unbeaten run. They are positioned second in the league standing, ten points behind leaders Mohun Bagan with two games in hand. Manolo Marquez has always insisted that they will fight for the ISL Shield till the end of the campaign. Sangwan played down the question about Shield and insisted that they are focusing game by game.
“The team is focused on the most important thing and that is the next game that’s about to come. That’s the mentality the coaching staff and the senior players in the team with years of experience have installed in the group and I agree that’s how it should be.”
Aakash Sangwan on the National team:
Aakash has the luxury of being managed by the National team coach at the club level. Earlier this season, Aakash had the privilege of making his debut for the National team in a 1-1 draw against Vietnam. Aakash spoke about how it feels to have the NT manager coach him at the club level, and he added that he focusses on doing well for the club while playing for it.
“I feel getting to do this every day is a big enough motivation for me to push myself in training and give myself a chance to be able to do it as a day job as long as possible. I try not to focus on Coach Manolo also being the coach of the national team because at FC Goa, I am an FC Goa player, and I want to do justice to my role with the team here. The same goes to when I was at the national team, I wasn’t thinking about the club at all.”
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