“Coach Buckingham promised me that he will build me into a different player,” Lallianzuala Chhangte reveals Des Buckingham’s promise

Lallianzuala Chhangte has become the fan favourite for Indian football fans after his exceptional performances in blue in the Intercontinental Cup and SAFF Championships. He was also sensational for Mumbai City FC and carried that form into the national team as well. Eventually, he was adjudged the AIFF Men’s Footballer of the Year award.

Recently, Chhangte revealed that when he made the move to Mumbai City FC in 2022, coach Des Buckingham said to him that he will transform him into a better player. He was initially loaned by Mumbai City from Chennaiyin FC but later the Islanders made it permanent.

“Coach Des (Buckingham) promised me that he will build me into a different player and make me better, both as a footballer and a human. Since the first day I joined, we have been analysing what I’ve done in the past and what I am good at,” Chhangte told TOI.

Chhangte’s loan spell with Mumbai did not go well but the club still signed him permanently ahead of the 2022-23 season. This was the best decision that the management made as the Mizoram-based winger took his game to the next level last season.

He finished as the top scorer in the Durand Cup, helping Mumbai City FC reach the finals. He then helped the Islanders win the Indian Super League Winner’s Shield while tallying 10 goals and six assists in 22 games. Chhangte’s contribution was game-changing for Mumbai and being the highest Indian goalscorer, he was awarded the Hero of the League award.

He shared how he improved by collecting data from training and focused more on finishing, crossing and decision-making near goal. Chhangte feels that the extra work done by Buckingham and his staff has paid off and he has shared his gratitude for their efforts.

“We were collecting and analysing data from training and matches. We did extra work, particularly with finishing, crossing and decision-making in the final third. All this has helped me a lot. I want to give credit to the coach, assistant coach, and all the staff who helped me get to where I am right now. We have been working really, really hard,” the youngster expressed his gratitude.

Chhangte does not want to sit back and be comfortable, rather he wants to work harder to keep his place in the team. He shared coming to Mumbai City allowed him to push his boundaries. “When I joined Mumbai (City FC), I was in an uncomfortable zone as I had to compete with two-three players (in the same position), that helped me get to where I am. I cannot just sit back, be comfortable that the coach trusts me. Every day I wake up knowing I have to do even better,” Chhangte concluded.