Gurwinder Singh was part of the Kerala Blasters side that lost to Atletico de Kolkata in the finals of the Indian Super League last season. He has featured regularly for Kerala Blasters, and has been a key part of the squad. Singh is also a part of the national setup, and was called up for the recent World Cup qualifiers.

Are you excited about the second season of the Indian Super League?

Yes, I’m very excited for the Indian Super League to start.

What’s the difference between the Indian Super League and the I-league?

There is a big difference between I-league and Indian Super League. The Indian Super League is very organised and the players enjoy a better standard of facilities compared to I-league. There is a huge difference in quality on the pitch as well. Indian players are motivated to perform better when they’re playing with European players.

The match timings are also better in the Indian Super League. I-league matches start at 3 pm, and it’s really difficult to play in those hot conditions.

Kerala Blasters came close to winning the league in the inaugural season. Do you have any regrets? What went wrong?

Yes, definitely. I think towards the end of the final game we lost our concentration. Trevor Morgan and David James always asked us to remain focused. In football things change very quickly.

Do you think Kerala Blasters can win the second edition of the ISL?

Yes, but first we have to train well, listen to the instructions of the manager Peter Taylor, and execute them once the league starts. We have a great group of players, and the team has recruited some quality players as well. We need to give 100 per cent.

Do you think Kerala Blasters have got the right players in the auction?

They’re all very good players. Calvin Lobo has already played under Trevor Morgan, and they all should do well.

What are your personal targets for the upcoming season of the Indian Super League?

First of all I need to do well in the Calcutta league. Once the Indian Super League starts I need to perform well, and impress Peter Taylor. I’ll try to learn from Peter Taylor as much as I can, and hopefully help the team to win the league.

What do you think of the competition in the team?

I love competition, it always brings the best out of me. I’m confident of starting games for Kerala Blasters. I’m ready to give my 100 per cent.

Sometimes it depends on the coach as well. Recently when I played for the national side the coach preferred to play the left back as a centre back, and left me out of the team. Still I kept giving my 100 per cent in training.

The Indian national side recently lost to Oman and Guam, what do you think went wrong?

The players lost concentration and conceded the goal. Stephen Constantine asked us to concentrate right from the dressing room. It’s up to us as a team unit to follow our manager’s instructions and get results where we have a good chance. There is no point dwelling on these defeats too much, what has happened has happened. I am focused on regrouping and working with the manager to get the best out of our next game. The Indian national team should play more friendly games so we can gel more as a group.

Are you disappointed not to start games for the Indian side?

I’m really disappointed. Sometimes I feel, what’s the point of getting selected in the squad if you don’t get to start? But, I have to respect the manager’s decision. My selection is obviously because of my performance in the Indian Super League and for East Bengal. I am a natural centre back and really hope I can get to prove my worth in the next game – I’ll be working hard in training so that the manager can see what I can do.

What do you think about Stephen Constantine’s coaching methods?

I think I’m used to his methods of training as I have already done it before during my time at JCT. I’m happy with what he demands from a player, but we have to respond. He is a good manager and I think he can get the best out of the players.

Are you confident of getting something out of the Iran game?

I think Iran is a very strong side, and we have to be at our best to get something out of the game.

Who do you think will be Kerala Blasters’ biggest competitor this season?

I think all teams are equally strong, and have done well to get new players in. Anything can happen in the Indian Super League. Hopefully with the right international players coming in we can do well.

The Indian Super League has been extended this season, which means more recovery time during games. Are you happy about it?

I think it will help players, and reduce the chances of injuries. Indian players don’t get the time to rest as Federation Cup and I-league starts just after the Indian Super League gets over.

We have seen a lot of European players coming to the Indian Super League, do you get to learn a thing or two from them?

I think we get to learn a lot from the European players during training. Even during the game they are less error prone compared to us. I have improved a lot from the Indian Super League because of help from players such as Iain Hume, Michael Chopra and David James.

What’s your message for the Kerala Blasters fans?

Firstly, I want to thank Kerala Blasters for giving me this opportunity. I also want to thank my agent Baljit Rihal and Inventive Sports, UK. I want to give my best, and help the team to win the league. Kerala fans are the best in the ISL and I am happy for the support they give to me and the team. I can’t wait to put on the yellow jersey and hear the home crowd roar. Yellow Mein Khelo!

TNC also spoke to Gurwinder Singh’s agent Baljit Rihal about his impressions of the player and his hopes for the future.

I signed Gurwinder after spending some time with the Kerala Blasters team during last season’s ISL. I was impressed by his dedication and commitment not only during matches, but also in training and off the field. He is a real team player – he is well liked not only by his team mates and coaches but also the Kerala fans. He is a tough tackling centre back who gives every game 110%. After speaking with both Trevor Morgan and David James at length last season, it was only natural that I bring him into the Inventive Sports camp. We have had interest from the NASL (USA) – but Gurwinder remains focused on India for the time being. This year his hard work has been rewarded by a national team call up and also his installation as captain of East Bengal. I am confident that Gurwinder will continue to impress and give new boss Peter Taylor every reason to make him an integral part of the KBFC defence.

Follow Gurwinder on twitter here

And like his facebook page here