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Renedy Singh: CSKA coach Mladenov has been helping me a lot

Renedy Singh at CSKA Sofia

Former India vice-captain Renedy Singh joined CSKA Sofia earlier this week on a loan transfer from Indian Super League (ISL) side Kerala Blasters FC. The deal will keep him at the Bulgarian giants until the end of the 2014-15 season.

The 35 year old star footballer from Manipur arrived in Sofia last Wednesday, before signing the contract with CSKA. Renedy will be part of CSKA’s first team playing squad, besides getting the opportunity to learn from CSKA coach Stoycho Mladenov to prepare himself for his future as a coach after his playing career.

Renedy faced my colleague Arunava Chaudhuri for an interview on his first few days in Bulgaria, his new club CKSA, coach Mladenov and much more.

EXCLUSIVE PICTURES of Renedy Singh’s progress at CSKA Sofia are available at www.facebook.com/cpd81.

INTERVIEW

Renedy, we are in Sofia, how have the first few days experience been for you?
It has been great! You know from the time I arrived here on Wednesday the club officials and the club coaches have been really nice and helpful for which I have to thank Nuno, Rui and you Arunava for making it possible.

You have now trained thrice with a Bulgarian top club like CSKA Sofia. What is the difference of training with back home in India?
When Bob Houghton was there with the Indian national team and now in the Indian Super League, we get good quality training. But before that we never had this kind of training. Now I hope that the national team will again have such scientific and organised training under Stephen Constantine.
But I can’t complain about it. The thing is here in Bulgaria the pace is the main factor. When we pass, we have to control the pace, everything is high tempo.

CSKA Sofia has a very international squad with players from across Europe, from Africa and South America in the team. How is it for you?
It is great! The guys are really nice. They are taking me as one of their own, be it in team meetings, meals, even taking me along to watch a movie. The guys are really helpful and its nice to hangout with them.

CSKA coach Mladenov in very experienced, very well respected here in Bulgaria, he also played and coached in Portugal. What has your experienced with him been so far?
A big thank you to coach Mladenov! He has been helping me a lot, to tell him if I need anything. He always comes to speak to me, asking if everything is alright, if I need anything. I feel this is always good to come from a coach as it helps a new player to integrate better into a team.
Also we as players all know that coach Mladenov was one of the best players of Bulgaria and it shows in his training. Amongst other things the natural authority that he commands with his coaching staff, but also staying friendly and helpful on the other side.

And what is your aim for the next three months?
My main goal is to give my best in the training sessions and to remain fit as I don’t want to get injured, while also learning as much as I can.
For me here the best thing is to see and learn, then when you see and learn it’s practical and it’s better than just theory classes, which will help me with my future coaching career after I end playing football.

EXCLUSIVE PICTURES of Renedy Singh’s progress at CSKA Sofia are available at www.facebook.com/cpd81.

More about Renedy’s stay in Sofia in the coming days.