Hyderabad FC’s defender Chinglensana Singh believes that the teams’ strength lies in the consonance between the attack and defence that has helped them cross the top-four line in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) for the first time in their brief history.

Chinglensana or Sana as he is popularly known has been excellent at the back for Hyderabad FC and the numbers back it up as he has made 63 clearances, 36 tackles and 22 blocks while maintaining a passing accuracy of 80.22%.

Sana now prepares to take on ATK Mohun Bagan in their semi-final bout in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) on Saturday.

In an exclusive conversation with the ISL Media Team, Sana revealed what it is like playing alongside Juanan, his face-off against former teammate Liston Colaco and his ambitions for playing for the Indian National Team.

Here are the excerpts from the interview:

You were part of HFC's team season last year when you just missed out on the semi-finals. But this year you made it in style? What was the difference this year?

After playing good football last season we couldn’t progress to the playoffs and that was hard, but this season we’ve managed to get the right results and convert our draws into win, which helped us.

How does it feel to be a part of one of the best defences in the league? What has worked well for you?

It’s the style of play. That is one of the biggest strengths of our team. We know and understand how to defend and attack together as a unit which helps the team in the overall stats.

Do you feel you are a better player this season as compared to last?

It is two different seasons with different dynamics and situations. I wouldn’t compare the two seasons. I’d rather just focus on trying to improve each day and each game I play. It’s a continuous learning process and I believe my best years are still ahead of me.

Share your experience playing with Juanan? How was he helped you during matches and also in training? Which advice of his has been of big help to you? Also how is he to play as your centre-back partner?

Juanan is vastly experienced and is a proven centre-back in the league. He has helped us immensely in many ways throughout the season with his experience and knowledge of the game.

ATK Mohun Bagan have a strong attack. That includes your former teammate Liston Colaco. How are you relishing that battle with him?

Liston is a quality player, having said that we just have to focus on ourselves and do our jobs well and avoid making mistakes individually and collectively. And if we can do that, I see no problems playing against anyone.

HFC haven't beaten ATK Mohun Bagan this season. How does that impact the side going into the semi-finals?

Every game is a different one and has different feelings and stories to it. So, we will be focusing on playing at our best and get the best out of the two games to go to the Finals.

You have great goal scorers like Ogbeche and even Siverio when he comes on from the bench. Does having these kinds of strikers ease the pressure on defenders?

Of course we are very fortunate to have these two quality strikers playing alongside us in our team. Their goals have been crucial for us in many games and it is always nice to have such players playing for you.

What are your thoughts before the semis. Are you targeting a permanent national team berth through these performances?

At the moment, I am focused on doing the correct things and enjoying the two semi-final games. I believe there is no such thing as a permanent spot in the national team, So, every game I get to play for India I want to make sure I give my 120% for Team India!