It is never easy to change from one position to another in the game of football. You become established at one position and then lo behold, you are asked suddenly to vacate it and adjust yourself in a new role. That is exactly what happened the to the 27-year-old FC Goa footballer Mandar Rao Desai. The man had to shift to the left-back position from an attacking left-wing position during the last Indian Super League (ISL) edition as per the instructions of coach Sergio Lobera. But that did not puzzle Mandar Rao Desai. He took up the challenge and excelled in the role. Here’s what he feels about his new position.
Did you fancy yourself playing as a left-back when you have excelled as a left-winger?
During the pre-season in Spain last year, coach (Sergio) Lobera told me that I could do well in the left-back position. He asked me if I would be comfortable, before fielding me in the first game in Spain. As the season progressed, I tried my best to learn the art of defending. Coach told me that if I keep doing well in the position, I could play as a left- back in the national team too.
And the coach’s prophecy came true. You were selected to the Indian squad as a left-back.
I was excited to make my debut (against Qatar). Facing the Asian champions was a tough task. We tried to do our best and keep a good rhythm. Between the defenders and midfielders, we kept it compact and therefore got a good result against them. Even a draw was great keeping in mind Qatar’s reputation.
How difficult was it for you to adapt to the change, considering you are 27 now?
It is up to the player. For me, it was a new challenge to play at left-back. I had to change my whole game, also develop a defensive mindset. I watched a lot of videos online to improve.
FC Goa co-owner Virat Kohli spoke highly of the fitness levels that footballers have. How inspiring is it to have a co-owner who is a sportsman himself?
Virat Kohli provides a lot of motivation when he talks to the players. He believes in the players and the club. FC Goa has always performed well in the ISL. It is not easy for a club to always be in the top four, but FC Goa have been consistent. Virat is right when he says that the fitness of a footballer is much higher than a cricketer because there is a lot of running involved. Virat Kohli is a very fit individual himself, and understands what goes through in reaching those peak levels of fitness.
You were a youngster when you signed for FC Goa and now a captain. How has your role evolved at the club?
I have learned a lot from the seniors, not only in FC Goa but also when I was at Dempo Sports Club. It was indeed a great pleasure being coached initially by one of the legends of the global game, Zico. One also learns when you play in front of a huge fan base backing you and when you experience being in the national team. Former FC Goa players Robert Pires and Lucio were instrumental in developing my game and I hope to do the same for the upcoming youngsters at the club.
PNN & Agencies