ISL 2022-23: Playing well is as important as winning: Hyderabad FC’s Reagan Singh

Hyderabad FC’s defender Reagan Singh feels playing well is equally important as winning. Reagan Singh moved to Hyderabad FC on a season-long loan from Chennaiyin ahead of the ninth edition of the tournament.

Meanwhile, Singh started his professional career with Royal Wahingdoh in the Hero I-League in 2012. Subsequently, after three years with Royal Wahingdoh, he spent five years with NorthEast United in ISL before making a move to the Mariners.

Singh has all the experience of playing in the Hero ISL as he has played 112 matches in the tournament. The center-back has grown in confidence under the tutelage of Manolo Marquez.

“I started my career with RWFC in the second division of the I-League and after working hard for two years, we managed to qualify for the I-League. I joined the Hero ISL later, where the standard was higher, and it helped me learn from the best coaches in the country and helped me improve every single day,” Reagan said in an exclusive interview with The Pioneer.

Meanwhile, Hyderabad FC finished the league stage in the second position after 13 wins in 20 matches and a total of 42 points, which is their most in the history of the tournament.

“For me, playing well is as important as winning, but in football, three points are all that matter, and that is what we focus on for every game,” he said.

The Nizams conceded 16 goals in the league stage of the tournament, which is the least among all the 11 teams. Singh highlighted that the biggest strength of the team is its compactness.

“I think the biggest strength of this team on the field is that we are very compact, which makes it hard for teams to break us. We play as a team and are a family off the field, which is a strong point for this club,” he said while speaking about Hyderabad FC’s strengths.

“Everyone knows he (Marquez) is a really good coach. He gives confidence to every player in the squad, especially the youngsters as he helps them work and improve on the skills and techniques of every player,” the defender also spoke highly about his head coach.

Hyderabad FC will face ATK Mohun Bagan in the first-leg semifinal at the G.M.C. Balayogi Athletic Stadium, Hyderabad on Thursday.