Pic: Bengaluru FC’s Eugeneson Lyngdoh tries to block a pass from a Guangzhou R&F player during their pre-season game in China. (Credits: Bengaluru FC)
by Sayantan Maitra
I-LEAGUE Media Team
NEW DELHI: Eugeneson Lyngdoh, 27, has always loved playing football, and following his arrival to Bengaluru FC in the summer of 2013, his plans have remain unchanged. The sole modification stays that he wants to retain the Hero I-League title with Bengaluru FC.
The midfielder has always played for Clubs in his hometown Shillong from the start of his career. He played a pivotal role in Rangdajied United’s late surge to beat the drop last season, after starting his career with Shillong Lajong FC. This is the first time he will be playing for a Club outside his hometown, and Eugene doesn’t’ think that’ll affect him much.
EXCERPTS from an exclusive tête-à-tête with www.i-league.org:
HOW HAS THE FEDERATION CUP FARED FOR YOU PERSONALLY?
This is my first season with Bengaluru Club and it feels great to lift the Federation Cup with this amazing team.
However, we can’t dwell more on that, as the I-League is just kicking-off. It’s been very positive building up to the I-League, especially after the last season. Winning the Fed Cup was very exciting, and it has been a very positive milestone. At the end of the season, when we’ll look back, we can proudly say that winning the Federation Cup has been a big motivation for the season and our preparations as a whole.
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO IN THIS I-LEAGUE?
We want to approach every game with winning on our mind. Bagging all three points from the games will be our first priority, and ultimately retain the I-League.
Of course, every game is going to be tough, and winning and losing are a part of the game, but our main focus is on retaining the title.
WHAT IS THE BEST THING YOU HAVE LIKED ABOUT BENGALURU FC?
The Professionalism, hands down. I have always admired the systematic and the professional approach of the Club, and the way the players are groomed and given a good vision to achieve the targets.
The players’ and officials’ approach towards the game and building the Club as a whole is also noteworthy.
YOU PARTNERED JOSH WALKER IN THE CENTRE OF THE MIDFIELD. HOW ACCORDING TO YOU HAS IT GONE SO FAR?
It’s been pretty good to play alongside someone of his stature. As we kept going into every game, we kept learning.
Having Josh alongside has been very fruitful. I’ve got to learn many things technically, skilfully, and even tactfully. His experience will definitely help in achieving our targets this season.
WHAT ROLE IS YOU EXACTLY DEPLOYED AS IN THE SIDE?
My role is basically that of an Attacking midfielder, and I am usually deployed in that role.
However, every game needs to approached differently. It all depends from game to game. We have to learn to be versatile, and prepare being able to play in any kind of a position the Coach wants us to play in keeping in mind how our opposition team is approaching the game.
HOW WILL PLAYING AWAY FROM SHILLONG AFFECT YOU PERSONALLY?
I’m not that much affected. I have always wanted to play football, and playing the beautiful game in any part of the country makes me happy, as long as I’m performing to my expectations.
Getting a chance to play is more important, and nothing satisfies you better than living up to your expectations and giving a good performance.
WHAT DO YOU MAKE OUT OF THE SHILLONG SIDES THIS SEASON?
They are doing quite good, and are pretty tough to face against. Having said that, you cannot take any team for granted. All the teams are preparing well for the I-League.
For Shillong Lajong and Royal Wahingdoh especially, following their good showing in the Fed Cup, it all depends on the mentality of the players if they want to play good and go ahead with that killer instinct in each game.
YOUR PERSONAL AIMS FOR THIS SEASON…
Lift the title again – this time the Hero I-League.
That was the main objective for coming to this Club. I always wanted to play for a bigger Team that has a vision, and Bengaluru FC haven’t disappointed me. I really salute the vision the Club has, and I feel the officials and players make it the perfect team.
WHAT’S YOUR MESSAGE TO YOUR FANS AND WELL-WISHERS…
I would like to thank the fans on behalf of the entire Club for their continuous support for our team, both on-and-off the field.
As for me, I would personally like to thank my friends, family and everyone, all over the country, for their unconditional support and prayers for me. I hope to cherish the fans and see them turn up in numbers in Bangalore during our home games at Kanteerava.
