Will Be A Dream Come True If We Get To Play At Old Trafford : Gurpreet

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Gurpreet Singh Sandhu training at Stabaek FC . Image Source : Xtra Time

 

His career-graph is nothing less than a folktale. India’s ace goalkeeper & Norwegian powerhouse Stabaek FC custodian Gurpreet Singh Sandhu added another feather to his cap by ensuring that he would be the first from his country to be part of a team scheduled to play in the Europa League this season. Before commencing the dream season, the tall & super-talented goalkeeper has spoken exclusively to XtraTime. Let’s find out the untold emotions of the Indian Manchester United fan who has made the nation proud.

How has the Norwegian Tippeligaen and Stabaek FC experience been so far?
It has been a fruitful experience so far . Have seen and learnt a lot.

After making more than 100 appearances for East Bengal & Indian football, how has the transition from Indian football to European football been? What are the differences, when it comes to training?

It had been huge leap for me when I left India and came here in Norway to play . The transition was a bit difficult to handle but with time I blended in well . The trainings are different in quality , every single aspect matters from the training surface, the players you train with , the weather you train in and who is training you. The quality is much better here!!

You are the only Indian footballer playing in a top flight club in Europe right now & all set to become the first ever Indian to feature in the Europa League. Could you explain to us how special you are feeling?

The feeling of being the only Indian playing outside India right now is different but I wish I couldn’t feel this special because I wish there were many players from India playing outside India, it shows that how much work we need.

All your national team mates are now regulars in the Indian Super League teams. Do you have any regret of not playing in the ISL?

What do you think getting a shot to play and train in Europe is better or playing in ISL is?

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Gurpreet will be the first Indian footballer to play in the Europa League . Image Source : Xtra Time

What are the new goalkeeping aspects that you have inculcated into your game?

I think every single aspect of my game has improved not just one.

Scottish legend Billy Mckinlay is now your manager, who is known for his innovative style of football. So how is the experience of being coached by him?

I think it is a good opportunity for us as players to learn as much as possible from a figure like Billy, i hope we do well.

Has the language been a problem, considering Stabaek has many different nationalities in their squad?

No ,everyone speaks English here , so language is not a problem .

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Can we see Gurpreet playing at Old Trafford ? Image Source : Xtra Time

Sayouba Mande, the team’s first choice goalkeeper was a part of the Ivory Coast World Cup squad. How has the experience of working with him been ?
Sayouba is like a younger brother to me, I have learnt many things from him and so has he from me. I always wish him the very best.

Who are your favourite goalkeepers (Both Indian & International)?
In India I have grown up watching Subrata bhai, Arindam Da and Subhashish da . They have been the guys I look upto and Internationally I have always followed Edwin Van Der Sar.

How big a moment will it be if you face Manchester United in the next Europa League?
It will be a dream come true if we get to play at Old Trafford!!