Has AIFF Player of the Year Subhasish Bose Found New Motivation After His Dream Season?

Kolkata, May 21 (NationPress) A highly successful domestic season with Mohun Bagan Super Giant, culminating in the prestigious AIFF Men's Player of the Year Award, has further ignited defender Subhasish Bose's ambition for greater achievements as he dons India's blue during the upcoming June FIFA International Window.

The Blue Tigers commenced training for their friendly match against Thailand on June 4 and the AFC Asian Cup Qualifier against Hong Kong on June 10, starting Monday at the AIFF National Centre of Excellence in Kolkata, Bose's hometown.

"Indeed, this past year has been incredibly rewarding for me. Such a successful season always enhances a player's confidence. It also drives me to work even harder and refine my skills, ensuring I can contribute effectively to my country. We have two important international matches ahead, and we aim to deliver our best to achieve favorable outcomes for India," Bose remarked during a training session in Kolkata.

"I’m particularly thrilled that the camp is taking place in Kolkata, and I appreciate the AIFF's efforts in providing facilities like the NCE here, allowing the national team to train on quality pitches," the 29-year-old added.

Bose has earned 42 caps for the senior national squad and is keen to make his third consecutive appearance in the AFC Asian Cup. From playing every single minute during the 2019 Asian Cup in the UAE at just 23 years old, his seven-year journey with the Blue Tigers has been marked by remarkable consistency.

"I feel fortunate to represent my nation. Each match is unique, but all hold significance. Sometimes we excel, and at times we falter. That’s the essence of the sport. What truly matters is our unity and teamwork; with that, we can secure clean sheets and score goals,” Bose expressed.

Bose ranked as the third-highest Indian scorer in the Indian Super League this season with six goals, impressive statistics for a left-back. Although he is still pursuing his first goal for the national team, he believes that as long as India finds the back of the net and maintains clean sheets, everything will be satisfactory.

"I have faith in our talented and creative players who can find the goal. With Sunil Chhetri bhai back in the squad, I hope we can score and defend effectively in our upcoming matches, ensuring we achieve clean sheets,” he stated.

"We’ve perhaps made minor mistakes in recent matches, but that’s what our training is focused on. We need to enhance our performance in these areas before facing our next two matches. The coach has been addressing improvement areas with us during this camp, and we are all dedicated to advancing in those aspects," Bose mentioned.

A week of training in Kolkata, followed by six days in Thailand, provides ample preparation time for the friendly match before the crucial qualifier in Hong Kong. After a busy domestic season, concluding with the Kalinga Super Cup on May 3, the players enjoyed a brief rest before returning to training.

"Despite having played for different clubs this season, we strive to bond well, which is crucial given that we have all operated under various systems and coaches. Now we must adapt to the system set by coach Manolo to enhance our collective performance.

"Navigating through different coaching styles and systems is part of the journey for all professional footballers. It has been our experience since childhood. While it may seem challenging, it's essential for us to align and share a common mentality," Bose concluded.