Young full-back Akash Mishra speaks about the start of his football journey, settling in the ISL, the plans for his future, and more…

Hyderabad FC’s young full-back Akash Mishra has been one of the most consistent players for the club in the 2020-21 Indian Super League season. He has been effective at both ends of the field and is quickly turning into a fan favourite, in what is his debut season in the competition. He spoke to the AIFF channel this week and here is what he had to say

On his time with Indian Arrows…

Indian Arrows taught me a lot, most of what I know about Indian football. I was lucky to get a chance with the Arrows but my first season with the club was not memorable, due to back to back injuries. But in the second season, I was a regular in the first team and that helped me gain a lot of experience and confidence.

The best part about playing for Arrows was the amount of games we got to play. Game time is crucial for a football player, not only to gain experience but also to learn in-game management. And playing in the I-League gave me a lot of exposure ,which is all pretty important for a budding football player.

On moving to the ISL and settling down…

The Indian Super League is the biggest league in India. There are a lot of quality teams in the competition with several Indian internationals. We used to look up to them, watch them on TV, and wanted to play with them, play like them. Some of them in our team, some are our opponents. So, I feel great to be a part of this competition.

It has not been all easy. In pre-season, during the lockdown, I did not have facilities to train in my home town and that has made it even tougher for me.

Adapting to the team has also not been easy. At Indian Arrows, everyone in the team was at a similar age. But here in the ISL, it is a bit different when you work closely with seniors and overseas players. But everyone has been helpful at my new club and I feel fully settled in now.

Our left-back Akash Mishra has not stopped running. Has come up with crosses, tackles and clearances as well!#OFCHFC #LetsFootball #HyderabadFC 🟡⚫️ pic.twitter.com/LbswZozz2g

— Hyderabad FC (@HydFCOfficial) November 23, 2020

On the challenges of playing in the ISL…

Yes, there is a different level of competition in the ISL. Playing here and the pressure we have, to perform, is a challenge in itself. But I like to keep it simple. I like to stick to what the coaches teach us and give him what he wants from me. Don’t change the game plan and everything becomes a bit easier.

On the teammates at HFC…

Every player we have at HFC has been really helpful. On and off the field, in the hotel, they are always happy to speak. When in a game, I have Subrata Paul behind me, Adil Khan beside me in defense, and Halicharan Narzary helping me on the wing. I am surrounded by lots of experience and that has certainly helped me in my first three ISL games.

On youngsters getting chances at Hyderabad…

It all stems down to coach Manolo Marquez and the staff at Hyderabad. They do not distinguish between youngsters, senior players, and overseas players. For the coach, if you are good enough to get the job done, you play. Whoever is best suited for what Manolo wants, gets to play and that is the best part about him and our team.

On being versatile and playing in different positions…

For a player, it is only important that you play football. Playing full-back and center-back has different demands, like positioning and reading the game. But if you stick to the basics, you can excel in any role. So, I think it depends on the coach, the requirements for the game, our opponent, etc.

On the secret of his consistency…

There is no secret behind it. What is important is you don’t think too much about the opponent. As a left-back, I can’t put too much thought into who will the opponent’s right-winger be and how will I stop him. I believe in placing more emphasis on my game, the plans the coach gives for us. This will allow us to express ourselves and get the best out of us, as a team.

On support from the family…

No one from my family had a career in sports. There were not too many success stories in sports from within my area either. So, it was initially difficult for me to convince my parents on taking up football as a career. They started believing in me the more I played but insisted that I place importance on my academics as well.

But as I took every step, got into a sports college, got my scholarship for Germany, they couldn’t be any more supportive. They were convinced that I have a future in sports and did everything they can to help me turn into what I am right now.

On plans for the future…

It has just been three games in the ISL. Lots of games and lots of seasons ahead of me, hopefully. I know I must improve in a lot of areas of my game. Gaining experience from the seniors, overseas players, and the coaches is very crucial.

Playing for the senior national team is a dream, like for many other youngsters, but for now, continuing my progress in the right way is the most important step forward.