Keegan Pereira has been an integral part of newcomers Bengaluru FC’s dream start to their inaugural Airtel I-League campaign.

In a freewheeling interview to AIFF Media, the 25-year old left-back from Mumbai spoke at length about his journey with his new Club, the learning curve, coach Ashley Westwood, Indian national captain Sunil Chhetri and much more.

INTERVIEW

Narrate the journey from 2006 when you were with Mumbai FC.
It’s been a learning curve. There have been good times and not so good times but over the yearsI’ve learnt to take all in my stride. It was nice to start my Airtel I-League journey with a Club from the City I belong to. But it’s even better to be able to play at another City.

It certainly hasn’t been smooth sailing for you after not playing a single game for Salgaoacar last season. How did Bengaluru FC happen?
It’s always frustrating for any Player to train as hard as everyone else only to find himself out of the Team. But all these experiences teach you lessons which you don’t forget soon. Bengaluru FC came as a blessing for me. Assistant Coach Pradhyum Reddy asked me if I’d like to be part of the Club and I was more than glad to grab the offer. For once, I’m not regretting.

What prompted you to join a virgin outfit?
The prospect being part of something new and exciting was too good to let go. Everything about the Club seemed professional and I had nothing to lose.

You seemed to have made the left back position your own in the last four games you played for the table-toppers. Did you expect such instant success?
It’s too early to read into success, be it personal or Team, that too at this stage. No one in the Team takes his position for granted which ensures I always have to be on my toes. It’s a long season and there’s so much left to do. I’m happy to play whatever part I can on this journey for the Team. But there’s a long, long way to go.

How much of an influence has Coach Ashley Westwood had on your recent rise?
The Coach has been fantastic. It’s only been three months since the Team came together but I’ve already learned a lot more than I would in an entire season with another Club. The Coach has a plan and he makes sure we are all up to executing it. All this has, and will help me a long way in the future.

What about the start?
It’s been a brilliant start but everyone on the Team is level-headed enough to know that we need to travel miles. Our Coaches keep us grounded at all times reminding us to take every game as it comes. But it’s been a great start, a nice platform that we hope to build the rest of our season on.

Is Sunil Chhetri and Robin Singh helping you?
Yes, without a doubt. The team has a nice blend of youngsters and experienced Players. Players like Sunil, Robin, John (Johnson) Curtis (Osano) and the others are always pushing me, advising me and it’s nice to have teammates like them on the same team as me.

What next for Keegan Pereira? You must have set certain goals for yourself.
I’d be lying if I said I have no goals. To wear the National Colours is something I’m striving for and now, making sure Bengaluru FC end up as high we can at the end of our debut season. Both dreams need to be realised.

(Interview & Picture courtesy AIFF Media)