Team-work is the key for goalkeeper Gurpreet

Fresh from the greener pastures of Europe after turning out for Norwegian outfit Stabek FC, goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu is currently enjoying life at the Bengaluru FC.

At the mid-way point of the Indian Super League, Albert Roca's men are perched atop the standings looking more and more likely to secure their semifinal berth.

While the Blues haven't had any major issues on the scoring front, they have found it hard to keep clean sheets, with just three in nine games.

A constant fixture in the starting XI, apart from two games he spent suspended, Gurpreet has managed just two blemish-free outings but the strapping 25-year-old insists that he isn't greatly bothered.

"It doesn't really matter as long as the team wins. My personal achievements don't worry me as long as the results are going our way.

"There have been good and bad moments for us. Need to learn from those experiences and not make the same mistakes. Still, nine more games are there. Can't take anything for granted but it's pleasing to be atop the table," added Gurpreet.

While it wasn't the greatest of starts to his career in the ISL, having been sent off in the 3-4 loss away to FC Goa, Gurpreet insisted he had put it behind him.

"What matters more to me are the final results. It definitely was a setback. The loss in Goa and the two home defeats, they taught us a lot. We need to be more sensible with our style of play is what I feel."

Having previously turned out for East Bengal, known for their hardcore fan following, the Mohali-born lad was lavish in his praise of the Bengaluru fans.

"Fans at East Bengal and here cannot be compared. There they were loud and proud and then you have the West Block Blues who have changed the trend in Indian football with their support since the inception of the club. It's a privilege to play in front of fans who really care about the game and are educated about it," he opined.

A regular starter for the Indian national team as well, Gurpreet said he was enjoying the varied coaching styles of Roca and Stephen Constantine.

"They are two coaches with very different styles of play. Roca is someone who wants to keep the ball more and build from the back. He stresses on playing good football and winning by doing so.

"Coming to Stephen, he's a little different. We use our strengths as a team. Different players, with different abilities, are encouraged to express themselves. It's a great contrast for me as a player. I get to learn these two different styles and improve my game," added Gurpreet.

With the 2019 AFC Asian Cup fast approaching, Gurpreet said India needed to play stiffer oppositions during their preparations. "We need to play higher-ranked teams. These are the teams that will challenge us and ensure we step up our levels. Need to use the international windows to play as many games as possible," he signed off.