India striker Robin Singh went for `51 lakh in the ISl auction that saw him join Roberto Carlos led Delhi Dynamos. He’s had a good showing in the I-league for Bengaluru FC playing alongside Sunil Chhetri. The duo forms the pairing for the national team too. But the picture isn’t rosy there for Robin as far as goals are concerned. He tells Tanuj lakhina that there is more to it than the statistic.
Where did it go wrong for India against Guam (lost 1-2)IJ
It’s a transition that is happening for the team in terms of players and coach. Rather than pointing at our downfalls, we could do with a little support. We’re all working hard and have been giving it our all for the team. And we’ll continue to do so. Personally, I think there is no lack of effort from the team.
What is the difference between the two coaches you’ve played under — Wim Koevermans and current manager Stephen ConstantineIJ
Constantine brings in that Indian style of play. We have to adapt to all managers and we did so too with Koevermans. Both of them have a different style of play and of approaching things. If one has one style, we’ll stick and work to it. With both of them I played as a withdrawn striker right behind Sunil Chhetri so it is not much of a problem for me.
You’ve only scored one goal for the country in fourteen appearances. Would you prefer that you played in a more advanced role to make that number go upIJ
I play as a number 9 alongside Sunil. As a striker, I’d prefer if it was India 1-0 rather than Robin Singh 1-0. I may not score but I want to make it clear that I’ve been part of goals and attacks. Also, I’ve been a touch unlucky because there have been goals for Bengaluru FC. But yes, I need to step up, I won’t deny that.
You and Sunil have a good combination with Bengaluru but it goes missing for the national side. Why do you think that isIJ
We spend more time when playing with Bengaluru FC so that makes a lot of difference. It is also on the number of games you play which makes a lot of difference.
After the loss to Guam, Constantine asked for overseas players of Indian origin to be included too. Where do you stand on that debateIJ
There are 1.2 billion people in the country and yet we have this concern. However, if the coach wants to bring in other players, bring them in, we’re open to new ideas. All ideas are accepted and it will be great if it helps us get better.
Bengaluru FC manager Ashley Westwood was also touted as a contender for the India job. Would you have much rather have him than ConstantineIJ
You give me Ashley Westwood, Stephen Constantine or Jose Mourinho, it doesn’t matter to me. I just love to play because all coaches bring in knowledge, tactics and ideas. I have to adapt and work with all of them. I look up to Westwood. But they’re all people who I can speak freely to and that’s important to me.
Up next for India in the World Cup qualifiers are the mighty Iran. What should we expect from the Indian teamIJ
Iran is going to be a major challenge. We’re working hard and it’s going to be a task. All we can do is work our hardest and on the day of the game, if we are better than them, we’ll win.
You took home `51 lakh in the ISl auction. How does that make you feelIJ
It’s good for me. I want to grow wherever it may be. The price doesn’t matter to me. For me, the real pressure comes from the spectators and not from the sponsors or the money I make. I play because I love to play and not because of the money.
Before the ISl auction, you said you would want to play for Mumbai City FC alongside Nicolas Anelka. But now you have Roberto Carlos at Delhi. Are you excited or disappointedIJ
It is fantastic to be working and playing with Roberto Carlos. He’s played in the top division for 24 years which is no small feat. We’re both left footers so plenty to learn. But maybe I’ll speak to him (Anelka) and learn a few things.
As a Delhi boy, how excited are you to be playing for a Delhi football teamIJ
It is like a homecoming for me. I’ve never played for Delhi before. There are many players from this part of the country who I played with for East Bengal. But this is a great opportunity for me to play in front of my own fans.