Interview: Subrata Pal opens up about the 'sweeper keeper' role and the best goalkeepers in the world

Mumbai City FC goalkeeper Subrata Pal was at an event organised by Puma in Mumbai where he spoke to Sportskeeda about his role models, the modern role of ‘sweeper keepers’ and the Indian Super League’s second edition.

The keeper was on national duty for the start of the tournament but is now back with the club and is looking to influence proceedings with his experience. Here’s what he had to say.

Subrata, what is your opinion on the “Sweeper Keeper” who comes off his line and is equally adept with his feet?

Nowadays, the role of the goalkeeper has changed. The coaches are using keepers as a sweeper, more like an extra defender. Not every coach adopts this strategy. It depends on the situation and tactics. If you play like Barcelona or Arsenal, the keeper has to play with his feet a lot. Even Bayern Munich for that matter.

If you watch British football, they adopt a more direct approach which involves only kicking. (From the spot kick, when the ball goes out of play). I am ready to play with both the systems. I don’t know how good I am with the feet. If the coach instructs me to play more with my feet, I will try and do it.

Which goalkeeper do you look up to? Who do you think is the best?

Now I cannot take just one name. The list is very long. There are good keepers all over the world. It’s not fair if I take just one name. I am a very big fan of Oliver Kahn. Currently I like Petr Cech, Gigi Buffon, and Casillas. Buffon is 37 and still playing, he says he feels young like a 16-year-old.

What about Manuel Neuer?

I like Neuer but I think he can definitely play a lot better. He is currently one of the best in the world but I think after 2-3 years he will reach a level where no one can catch him. He has a lot of potential in him and can perform at an even higher level.

What do you have to say about the keeper’s role in instructing his defenders while playing?

In my opinion, this is very important. The goalkeeper can see the entire game from the back. I can see the entire field. According to the situation I can give instructions to my defenders, my midfielders and strikers as well. If I tell them something and they listen, it’s good for the team because it’s a team game. If the strikers don’t manage to score and if the defenders and I don’t concede, we come away with one point. 0-0 is not a bad result.

What about situations when a much more experienced defender is in your team and you have to give him instructions?

This is my duty. There is no age when you can’t learn. Whether it’s a kid playing or an experienced player, until you die you can learn. On the field, there is no such that as a small or big player. We’re a team and we play as a team. Even if I play with Ronaldo or Messi, it’s the same thing and it’s always about the team. There is no question of nervousness (when instructing the players)

Can you tell us about your early days as a footballer? Did you always want to be a keeper?

When I was very young, around 7-8 years old- like other kids I used to go the field and start playing. I then entered the TFA (Tata Football Academy) which was the turning point of my life. They are one of the best academies in India.

I am a product of TFA after which I signed with Mohun Bagan (in 2004) when I started playing, I never thought I wanted to be a goalkeeper but I loved to play football. I never thought I would become a professional footballer. The keeper is always jumping, diving and rolling with the ball - small details like these inspired me to become a goalkeeper.

Are there any favorites this season in the ISL? What do you make of Pune City FC?

For me all teams are the same. When I stand in between the posts, whoever is in front of me, they’re all the same. Especially this season in the ISL, none of the teams look weak. It’s all about who is in form on that particular day. The league is very short. If you look, now Kerala have 3 home matches, if they win all three they can move to the top of the table.

In a league that’s so short you can’t really pick a favorite now. There’s only a difference of 19 and 20, anyone can win the league. Pune look good but Kolkata also are playing well; unfortunately they have too many injuries. NorthEast is also now playing fine. No one expected Delhi to win their match against Kolkata with ten men. So really anything can happen.