With 14 goals in his kitty, he was the joint top scorer in the I-League last season but Trinidad and Tobago international Cornell Glen has a bigger role to play this season if his young side were to better their last year’s performance.
During a recent conversation, the Lajong forward spoke about his experience in the I-League and the team’s prospects this season. Below are the excerpts of the interview.
How has the experience been so far with Lajong?
The experience has been great. I’m really happy in Shillong and appreciate the love shown from the players, staff and fans. I love the diverse culture of the North East. Trinidad and Tobago is also multi-cultural, so this makes me feel a lot closer to home.
14 goals in your first I-League season where you ended up joint top scorer in the league, 4 goals in your first Federation Cup, would you say you have lived up to the fan’s expectations?
I would hope so, but for me the expectations of my teammates and staff are way more important. I am probably the most experienced player in the team so that automatically makes me a leader and I’m the type of player who leads by example. What better way to do that than to bang in some goals and try to have good performances every game.
Tell us a bit about your first season working with Thangboi Singto and all the players in the team?
Thangboi is a young coach who is very knowledgeable about the game. I believe he will learn a lot more in time. I am enjoying working with him so far and hope maybe in the future we can work together on the coaching side.
How would you rate I-League as compared to the other leagues that you have played in your career?
Coming into the I-League I didn’t know what to expect. I think it is tougher than people would think. There are a lot of good quality players in India and when you start scoring goals everyone’s attention is on you, so that makes it even tougher. What is lacking in India are coaches who are strong tactically.
What are your personal goals and targets this season?
My only goal is to try and finish higher than 6th position this season.
What do you think of the current squad?
This season we have a young but talented squad. With the inclusion on Penn, Uilliams, Son and myself, once we all stay fit I believe we have a team that can do very well.
Do you think Lajong can improve their I-League standings this season compared to their previous season which they finished 6th in the league?
Yes we can! It’s going to be a difficult task with a very inexperienced squad. Most of these guys are learning on the job, but once they all learn fast enough I think the I-League will be in for a surprise this season.
Shillong Lajong FC will play their next match against defending champions Bengaluru FC in an away match on February 14.