Want to learn from Bipin and Chhangte: Mumbai City FC’s Vikram Partap Singh
Mumbai City FC forward Vikram Partap Singh stated that he is developing as a player at the club as he is getting the opportunity to learn from some of the best players in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL).
Mumbai City FC forward Vikram Partap Singh stated that he is developing as a player at the club as he is getting the opportunity to learn from some of the best players in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL).
Vikram highlighted wingers Bipin Singh and Lallianzuala Chhangte as the two players that he looks up to in his team and is keen to emulate if not better their success in the future.
“I have a lot to learn. There are many players in this team that I can see and learn from them on a daily basis,” Vikram said during the pre-match press conference ahead of the ATK Mohun Bagan match.
“At the moment, Bipin Singh and Lalianzuala Chhangte are the best wingers in Hero ISL. They are achieving things that some foreign players have also failed to achieve. So, I am learning from them and when I get my chance, I can do better than them,” he added.
Indian national team head coach was full of praise for forward Vikram Partap Singh but the 20-year-old is focused on the task at hand and is not thinking about a possible chance to play for the senior national team.
“I think I haven't achieved anything that will take me to the national team. We still have a lot of matches. I think I can do better. I am getting more time to play where I can show what I can do, so hopefully, maybe I can make it,” he said.
Some final touches before taking on the Mariners tomorrow ⚽️🏃♂️ pic.twitter.com/z75t9CnAl7
— Mumbai City FC (@MumbaiCityFC) January 13, 2023
Mumbai City FC are unbeaten in Hero ISL 2022-23 and set a new league record for most consecutive victories when they beat Kerala Blasters FC for their eighth win on the spin on Sunday.
Vikram believes the run is a result of a year’s work.
“The main thing is the idea that the coach has brought to the team. We are working for the last 16 months and now everyone is aware of the style we want to play. Everyone understands their role well and we share a great bond on and off the field,” he said.
Mumbai City FC head coach Des Buckingham too seconded the 20-year-old and felt his team’s results are a product of consistent work off the pitch.
“I am happy with how we have started this season and I'm happy with how we have played more than the results until now,” Buckingham said during the pre-match press conference.
“We have put ourselves in a good position but we have to get better game by game. It will be a very tough and challenging test against ATK Mohun Bagan but it's one that we are ready for and we are looking forward to it,” he added.
The Englishman though urged his team to keep improving and warned them against complacency as they take on ATK Mohun Bagan who are one of three sides to stop the Islanders from winning this season as the two sides played out a 2-2 draw in Mumbai earlier in the season.
“Every match we play is as challenging as the other. ATK Mohun Bagan are a team that will be challenging for the top spot in the same way as six or seven other teams in this league. So, ATK Mohun Bagan will be a good test for us,” said the Islanders' head coach.
“If we are not switched on and if we don't play as well as we can then football is not easy. If we don't put ourselves in the best position that we can, then it could be a difficult evening for us. But we have prepared well for this and everyone is ready,” he concluded.