With the Durand Cup 2025–26 just around the corner, the defending champions NorthEast United FC are preparing to step onto the pitch with one clear mission, to defend their crown. And at the heart of that mission stands Gurmeet Singh, the calm and commanding presence between the posts, who played a pivotal role in last season’s title-winning campaign.
As the Highlanders get ready to begin their journey on August 2, we caught up with the Golden Glove winner to talk about the pressure of defending a title, the atmosphere inside the NEUFC camp, and his personal mindset ahead of what promises to be another gripping chapter in the club’s history.
Full interview with Gurmeet Singh of NorthEast United FC’s Goalkeeper
Soccermonk:
North East United is set to defend their Duran Cup starting from August 2. As someone who plays one of the most vital roles in the pitch, does that add extra pressure or confidence for you?
Gurmeet Singh:
No, first of all, thank you. It’s not about one person, it’s about the whole team. Last season, we worked as a team, so we won the Duran Cup. And this season also, we’ll try to go match by match and try to reach our goals.
Soccermonk:
You were awarded the Golden Blood and played a crucial role in North East United’s Duran campaign last season. How are you preparing mentally and physically to defend that legacy in the upcoming Duran Cup?
Gurmeet Singh:
As I said, we are thinking about this first match only. So, we will go match by match and we’ll see. It’s nothing else. There is no pressure. We are ready and we will enjoy the tournament.
Soccermonk:
So, what’s the biggest lesson you and the team are carrying forward from the last Duran Cup campaign to this season?
It’s a very competitive tournament. Every team tries to win. So, everyone is 11-11.
I think on the second, we have a match with Manchester United. They lost their first match and hopefully they will play against us with full confidence and they will try to win the match. So, we will give our best to fight for our three points.
Soccermonk:
Is there any specific match or opponent you are looking forward to facing this season?
Gurmeet Singh:
No. Still now, we are just focusing on our first match, our group stages. We are focusing on our group stages. First, we clear the group stages. Then, we will see who will go to the quarter-final
Soccermonk:
Goalkeepers often go unnoticed until they make a mistake or a miracle. How do you handle that kind of spotlight and pressure?
Gurmeet Singh:
I always try to keep myself calm and compose under the post. No matter which game I am playing. It doesn’t matter to me. I just try to be calm and compose under the bar. Looking back to your journey from youth football and now.
Soccermonk:
What has been your turning point in your career? Turning point? When I got the national team goal, it was one of the best moments of my life.
Gurmeet Singh:
The turning point was when I joined in 2017. I joined the army or ESK Pune. From there, my journey starts and that’s the turning point of my life. I just tried to play professionally before I was in my hometown. I was playing in a small academy there. From there, everything changed. When I joined DSK in 2017, I think that was the turning point.
Soccermonk:
What’s more difficult? Serving a penalty in the 90th minute or bouncing back after conceding an early goal?
Gurmeet Singh:
It depends on the situation. If we are losing and I save in the 90th minute, that’s an amazing feeling as a goalkeeper, you know. So I think I will choose saving a penalty in the 90th minute.
Soccermonk:
What’s the best advice you have received from your coach or senior player that still echoes in your game today?
Gurmeet Singh:
When I speak, I try to learn from everyone, whether it’s my senior, my coach. They always told me to be calm and work hard. That’s what I am trying to do.Everything that they have said to me.
Soccermonk:
Which goalkeeper or any baller that has inspired you most in your journey?
Gurmeet Singh:
German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. I admire him a lot. Thank you, Gurmeet.
Watch the full interview
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