Odisha FC goalkeeper Amrinder Singh emphasized the importance of focusing more on their style of play to ensure a successful season ahead.

The Indian international has been a regular in the Indian Super League (ISL) since 2016. Singh has played for several ISL clubs, including Mumbai City FC, ATK, and Mohun Bagan SG, before joining Odisha FC in 2022.

The veteran goalkeeper has featured in 162 ISL games, registering 46 clean sheets. Additionally, Singh boasts a 70% save percentage, which is considered one of the best in the league. The 31-year-old footballer enjoyed a breakthrough season with the Islanders in 2016, where he kept five clean sheets in six appearances and won the prestigious ‘Golden Glove’ award.

Beyond his extensive playing career, Singh has demonstrated his expertise in leading the team from the back. In 2021, Mumbai City FC won the ISL League Shield and ISL Cup under his leadership. Now, Singh is captaining the Kalinga Warriors and has been an integral part of the side for the last two seasons.

“It’s not about being captain,” Singh said in an interview with The Juggernauts.

The Odisha FC captain emphasized the significance of having senior players in the squad. With experienced players like Ahmed Jahouh, Roy Krishna, and Carlos Delgado, the Kalinga Warriors have assembled a team rich in seasoned campaigners.

Speaking in context, Singh said, "I have led many teams before, but I think that with this team (Odisha FC), we have so many captains and senior players like Ahmed Jahouh, Roy Krishna, and Diego Mauricio. And now we have Carlos Delgado, Hugo Boumous, and many Indian players. They are very mature, and they know what they have to do. They are very professional. It’s easier for me when we have many senior players and everyone understands the role that the coach wants.

“I don’t need to do many things with them. Mostly, I always try to make a team and a family. We stay happy and healthy in the dressing room. My job is only to stay together and be happy, and there is nothing inside. Try to solve everything,” he continued.

Odisha FC secured their first-ever title by winning the Super Cup in 2023. Under Sergio Lobera's leadership last season, the Kalinga Warriors also made history by reaching the ISL semi-finals for the first time.

The senior team is undergoing intense training ahead of the ISL, which begins on September 13, while the reserve side has been sent to compete in the Durand Cup. Captain Amrinder Singh has called on his teammates to focus on their gameplay this season. He also emphasized the importance of refining their movements to achieve success in the upcoming campaign. 

“It’s most important to focus on ourselves,” he said.

“Of course, we play against our opponents. My focus always stays on me, like what I have to do and how I can guide my team. I always try to give them very short and clear messages. It’s all about focusing on ourselves and myself; then you don’t feel pressure or something,” he signed off.