Indian international Sandesh Jhingan during an Indian national team training session. (Photo courtesy: AIFF Media)
Sandesh Jhingan, who has established himself as one of the lynchpins in the current Indian team, is looking forward to the friendly fixture against PR China as an opportunity to “improve as a team”.
“The first and foremost thing is to improve as a team and as an individual. Results of a match always matter but we must focus on our performance primarily”, said Jhingan. He added, “We’re coming back (to the National Team setup) after a long time. We all have developed a good chemistry amongst us. Now we must focus to enhance our performance.”
“We need to give our 100% on the pitch and focus to execute the plan. If we play as a team, results will follow.”
China have been a force to reckon with in Asian football for quite some time and the lanky defender showed immense respect for them during the media interaction session on Monday amidst the two-day preparatory camp in New Delhi.
“We are eagerly looking forward to it (the game against China). They are a respectable side. They have got huge success as a national team. Money is flowing in the league. Their ranking rightly reflects their good work towards improving the level of football,” said Jhingan.
On being asked about his on-field partnership with another seasoned defender Anas Edathodika, he rattled, “The more we play together, the better it makes our understanding. As a team, we have to be on our toes throughout to get the job done.”
The team will leave Indian shores on Wednesday whereas the friendly match is scheduled for Saturday (October 13, 2018).
(AIFF Media)