Bengaluru FC defender Sandesh Jhingan feels the club’s desire to win trophies and titles was a key factor in him rejoining the Blues ahead of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2022-23 season.

Jhingan who was on loan at Bengaluru FC in 2017 while the club was still playing in the Hero I-League has returned to the club as an experienced pro having gained experience playing with Kerala Blasters FC and ATK Mohun Bagan.

The Indian centre-back spoke about playing with quality foreign defenders Aleksander Jovanovic and Alan Costa and outlined the club’s goals for the ongoing season.

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Jhingan spoke to the media during the pre-match press conference ahead of the Hyderabad FC match.

Here are the excerpts from the press conference:

You started the first two games with two foreign centre-backs. How well do you complement each other? How much of a challenge has it been for you?

Jhingan: A lot comes from the system and how the boss wants us to play and sometimes it is I, sometimes it is Alan Costa, Alexander Jovanovic, or Parag Shrivas. We have a lot of top quality players in our team. If we all can do that the right way then it becomes easier. Both (Alan and Aleks) are top players. Aleks has proven himself many times in various leagues, Alan who has been here since last year is doing well too and other defenders as well.

This is your second stint at the club. How different is it to your last stint?

Jhingan: This is a good city but when I came the last time, we had a different coach who I worked with for a very short period. The value of the club is still there, one of the biggest reasons I joined is due to the mentality, and the DNA of this club which is to win trophies and that is what attracted me the most. Whomever you meet in the club, it is just about trophies and about winning which spreads a great feel. Earlier I had a different role to play, I was a young player when I joined and now, I have joined with a bit of experience. I am enjoying every moment be it on the field or in the dressing room and the dugout. We just need to keep getting better as a team to go achieve our targets for the season.

What is your take on Gurpreet Singh Sandhu’s form?

Jhingan: He (Gurpreet Singh Sandhu) is a top goalkeeper; he has proven his worth for so many years with the national team and at the club level. Having him behind, we have this good understanding since we have played together many times for the national team. He is one of the people with whom I have a good relation off the field as well. If you go in detail about his short saving ability and the claiming of crosses, that makes him one of the finest goalkeepers in Asia. Together at the back, we will work hard to keep clean sheets to help the team and build on it.