Panaji: FC Goa have fallen behind in the race for the Indian Super League (ISL) title, but winger Udanta Singh is proud of his team’s efforts.After the loss against Jamshedpur FC last week, Goa are fourth on the table with 19 points from 11 matches. Significantly, Manolo Marquez’s side is the only team among the top six with just two foreign players, while others have been using their maximum quota of four internationals on the field.“We are doing much better than other teams,” Udanta told reporters during the pre-match media interaction on Friday. “We have only two foreigners and we have been fighting for the top spot. We have been doing very well with Indian contingent, Indian players. Those joining us from the reserve team are also doing well.”Assigned media duties with coach Manolo Marquez suspended for his outburst after the clash against Jamshedpur, assistant coach Gouramangi Singh too pointed out how Goa’s performance has taken many by surprise, despite being able to field just two foreigners in Dejan Drazic and Pol Moreno.“Maybe people thought Goa would be among the below or mid-table teams, but we have always believed in our Indian players,” said Gouramangi. “One of our biggest strengths is the group. For example, we have players like Nim (Dorjee) and Lara (Sharma) who haven’t played a single minute. But if you come and see how they train, how they approach, their body language, how they push, it’s fantastic. I feel sometimes they should also get some minutes to play. But in football, you have to accept the reality.”After inconsistent starts in his first season at the club, Udanta has now regularly found himself in the starting 11 for Goa. Manolo has even used him in multiple positions: from a winger, he has quite often slipped into the right-back mode, and even been slotted in midfield. These roles are new to the former Bengaluru FC star, but he hasn’t shied away.“I am enjoying myself at Goa. With coach Manolo, the first season was a bit of a struggle since I did not know much (about his style) but slowly and steadily, I did what was expected of me. It’s going well now. He has been using me in different roles. If your coach wants you to play (in certain positions), I am ready for that. I am confident in myself. I believe it’s my job to do my part for the club,” said Udanta.The winger is now into his third season at the club. His contract runs out later this month. Not surprisingly, he’s keen to extend his stay. “If the club wants, I want to stay here for more than the three years on my (existing) contract,” said Udanta.
