Reagan Singh believes Hyderabad FC’s compactness is their biggest strength as they look to defend their ISL crown

Hyderabad FC has been one of the most consistent teams in the Indian Super League in recent years. Under the capable leadership of Manolo Marquez, the team won the trophy last season and once again have finished second in the ongoing season and are in contention to defend their trophy again.

Apart from doing well in terms of results, the Nizams always look to promote young talent because their Spanish head coach is a big believer of talent identification and development. Apart from investing in youth the team management have been very shrewd in their talent acquisition. Like they got hold of Keisham Reagan SIngh on loan from Chennaiyin FC last season.

The Manipuri fullback is someone known for giving his all on the field. Reagan even during his time at Chennaiyin FC was a very consistent performer and now for the Nizams also he stepped up whenever there was need. The 31-year-old started his career in Shillong with Royal Wahingdoh and made his way into the ISL when he joined NorthEast United. Later he was snapped up by Chennaiyin FC.

Reagan has recorded a total of 112 ISL appearances and with time he has only improved his defensive instincts. He is someone know for his exceptional work rate and defensive abilities. His also has a knack of bombaring crosses into the penalty area.

“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 opens up in an interview with The Pioneer.

This season the Nizams have amassed 39 points from the league phase and that is the highest till now in the club’s history. Hence every players knows how important it is to win and defend the title. “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,” Reagan said ahead of the semifinals.

Reagan spoke very highly about the dressing room atmosphere and how everyone is very positive of defending the crown this season. He feels the unity and compactness the entire teams gives them the edge over any opposition. “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,” the 31-year-old shared.

Lastly the experienced defender was very impressed with Manolo Marquez’s coaching techniques. He shared how the Spanish tactician is always backing his players and giving them.

“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,” he concluded.