Panaji
Ahead of FC Goa's crucial match against Punjab FC on Wednesday at Fatorda, defender Sanatomba Singh shared insights into his journey in the Indian Super League (ISL), his experience with coach Manolo Marquez, and his thoughts on developing as a player.
When asked about his feelings before playing his first ISL match, Sanatomba said, "I was prepared, both mentally and physically. I trained well in the days leading up to it and felt positive about making an impact on the field. I knew I could do something, even if it was small."
Joining FC Goa was no easy task for the young defender, especially with so many senior players ahead of him in the squad. "It was difficult to break into the first team," he admitted. "It wasn’t easy to match the level of the senior players. I had to take things step by step to improve and become better."
Reflecting on his time at the Reliance Academy, Sanatomba shared that the difference in training intensity was striking. "In the academy, we were all in the same group, but the level was not the same as playing in the professional league," he said. "When I joined FC Goa, there was a huge difference in the level of play, but it motivated me to improve."
Sanatomba also spoke about his role models in Indian football, saying, "I look up to a few players, especially for their resilience. They may not always be the most technically gifted, but their determination and ability to fight through challenges inspire me."
On his relationship with FC Goa's head coach Manolo Marquez, Sanatomba said, "Coach Manolo has been great. From my first day, he pushed me to improve. Whenever I made mistakes, he didn’t criticize me harshly but always guided me to become better."
Coach Marquez also praised Sanatomba’s growth, saying, "He has come a long way since his first day at FC Goa. In the beginning, he made mistakes and was nervous, especially as a left-back. But now, he’s more comfortable, even playing as a winger. His progress has been impressive, and I’m confident in his abilities."
