Interview with Robin Singh: "The knowledge I have received at Bengaluru FC is irreplaceable"
It's been more than a year that Robin Singh got transferred to the then I-League debutants Bengaluru FC & it’s been a massively successful spell with him striving to maintain his position as captain Sunil Chhetri’s strike partner.
The talented youngster has not just managed to do that but has also held on to his place in the national team. The expedition in the garden city has been remarkable, to say the least, one that should help him build on his already unmistakable demeanour on and off the field.
We, at SportsKeeda managed to catch up with him after the recent World Cup Qualifiers and in a freewheeling chat, the India international talked about the game in Kathmandu, how he fancies playing in the ISL next season and life as a Bengaluru FC player.
Excerpts:
Congratulations Robin on qualifying for the 2nd round of WC 2018 qualifiers. How difficult was it to hold on to your lead in Nepal?
Thank you. I've always believed that we should not take our opponents lightly and that's how I went into the game thinking that we would be playing against a champion opposition.
We had already beaten them at home so we knew that they would come all out to try and get a win and we all went in with the headstrong attitude that we would not lose. At the end, in the game, we did our job, but credit goes to Nepal for having the spirit to put up a fight. I wish them all the best in the future.
You also did really well in the I-League last year. How was the experience of playing in Bengaluru after having plied your trade at East Bengal before?
The experience playing for Bengaluru FC is something that I would not want to change for anything in this world. The amount of knowledge I have received on and off the field at BFC is irreplaceable and credit goes to Ashley Westwood and the rest of our coaching staff at BFC. The professionalism in this club is one of the best this country has ever.
Following up on that, Ashley Westwood was instrumental in you guys winning the I-League. Would you have rather have him coach the national side?
The scenario on the national front and the I-league is very different. Ashley Westwood has his own style of working and that works really well for Bengaluru FC. I would definitely love to see him take control on the national front sometime in the future.
Also, in the week or so that you have spent with coach Stephen Constantine, how would you assess his methods in comparison to Wim Koevermans'?
Well, I would say that I've had the best of both worlds. I feel blessed to have trained under both their guidance.
Finally, was it difficult to sit out of the ISL in its inaugural season, and are you in talks with some franchisee already for the 2nd edition?
As a footballer, intrinsically my love lies in playing football. Having the football in my possession is what matters. While I missed the ISL, I concentrated on training for the I-league. More so, there's always a next season, which I am looking forward to.