Ahead of the upcoming season, the Gaurs have managed to sign many established Indian faces with Manolo Marquez at their helm. The 2019-20 Hero ISL Champions are revamping their squad to form a sustainable team for the future. Among the new Indian arrivals, the inclusion of Sandesh Jhingan and Udanta Singh will help FC Goa the most.
Performance in ISL: Sandesh Jhingan and Udanta Singh:
Sandesh Jhingan, the 30-year-old veteran defender, has been playing in the ISL since its inaugural season. Jhingan has played 116 matches in the ISL. Since starting his ISL career with Kerela Blasters FC in 2013-14, Jhingan has also played for ATK Mohun Bagan and Bengaluru FC.
The Indian International has achieved much success at the national level but cannot achieve more in his club career. Though Jhingan has been in four ISL finals, he has never won the trophy. He has leadership qualities, physicality, areal ability, and smart positioning sense.
Udanta Singh, the 27-year-old versatile right winger started his ISL career with Bengaluru FC in 2014-15. Though he was loaned out to Mumbai City for the 2016–17 season, he has continued with the Blues until 2022–23. Udanta won the Durand Cup, Federation Cup, Super Cup, I-League, and ISL with Bengaluru FC.
The Manipur-born winger played 99 Hero ISL games till now, where he scored 11 goals and provided 12 assists. Udanta has smart first touches, rapid speed, dribbling efficiency, and quick passing skills.
From the Blues to the Gaurs: Sandesh Jhingan and Udanta Singh travel together:
Sandesh Jhingan and Udanta Singh became teammates at club level last year with Bengaluru FC. With the Blues, they won the historic Durand Cup last year. They finished the Hero ISL and the Hero Super Cup campaigns as runners-up last year.
On his reunion with his former teammate, Jhingan said,
“We’re happy to reunite at FC Goa. When you mention this Club’s name, the two things that immediately come to mind are the quality and consistency that they have displayed in Indian football over the years.”
Want to create history with FC Goa: Jhingan and Udanta:
Both Indian Internationals join FC Goa with huge experience of playing in India’s top-tier league. Both of them know the sweet taste of victory as well as the bitter taste of defeat. They have achieved many successes in their playing careers.
So, both the senior players will be ready to showcase their skills in the new jersey and to perform according to their capabilities. They will be eager to create new history with the Gaurs with more zeal and passion.
Jhingan said,
“Here (at FC Goa) again, we’ll continue to do the same. There’s a lot of focus on motivating each other and working together. It makes sense, does it not- because ultimately we have a common goal- bringing glory to the club.”
This two will bring a lot of experience that can bring a massive turnaround to the FC Goa side.
Thoughts on joining FC Goa: Jhingan and Udanta:
Joining FC Goa, Jhingan said,
“We’re all aware of Coach Manolo’s contributions to Indian football over the past few years. I’m excited about this opportunity to work with him. The management has also shown a lot of ambition, as evident from the signings of players like Udanta, Odei (Onaindia), Rowllin (Borges) and Boris (Singh) to name a few.
It shows that we’re all equally hungry for success, and it’s a good sign. I’m confident that we’ll enjoy a very good season.”
Udanta said,
“I’ve also always admired FC Goa. This place has one of the best footballing cultures in the country, and the Club has passionate fans. So when my chance came this summer to sign for them, I did not have to think twice.
I really like how our training ground, the gym and the medical centre are all at one place. The training facilities are perfect. My new teammates and the staff at FC Goa have made this place feel like home already, though it has only been a few days since I arrived.”
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