"Anyone can win with big names" - Manpreet Singh takes a subtle dig at other coaches in Pro Kabaddi 2024 [Exclusive]

Haryana Steelers head coach Manpreet Singh delivered a cheeky yet pointed critique of his peers in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) 2024. Known for his fiery coaching style, Manpreet didn't hold back as he highlighted his preference for molding young players into champions rather than relying on established stars.

Manpreet has long been associated with building competitive teams from scratch. His credentials include captaining a young Patna Pirates side to a PKL Season 3 title and then coaching the Gujarat Fortunegiants to consecutive finals in PKL 5 and 6. Similarly, in PKL 10, he took an underdog Haryana Steelers squad to the final, where they narrowly lost to the Puneri Paltan 28-25.

Despite these achievements, Manpreet’s reliance on young defenses has backfired in high-pressure situations. All three of his finals appearances as a coach ended in losses, largely due to defensive lapses.

"When I coached Gujarat, I had young players. Look at Sunil Kumar, who later won the trophy with Jaipur. Even last season, my defense in the finals was made up of young players. But now, they’ve matured. This time, they won’t falter in the finals. Young players tend to rush in big games, which has cost me three finals,” said Manpreet Singh in an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda.

Unlike many coaches who focus on star-studded lineups, Manpreet sees greater value in nurturing young talent. He continued:

"However, I want to be the kind of coach who wins the cup with young players. Anyone can win with big names, but I don’t want to be in that category. I don’t mind how many seasons it takes; whenever I win the trophy, I want to win it with young players."

His philosophy has driven the Haryana Steelers to the top of the PKL 11 table, where they clinched 16 wins in 22 games. They are now set to face the UP Yoddhas in the semifinals on December 27 at the Balewadi Stadium.

"And this time, I have that team. This defense, when in form, doesn’t let any raider score against them. They won’t disappoint in the upcoming matches, they’ll play exceptionally well," he added.

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“I don’t want to be that kind of coach” - Manpreet Singh on what separates him from other coaches in Pro Kabaddi 2024

Manpreet Singh is unarguably the most aggressive and animated coach seen in the Pro Kabaddi League. His intensity on the sidelines is unmatched.

Often animated and vocal, he can be seen constantly encouraging his players throughout the game. He believes this sets him apart from other coaches who take a more passive approach.

"When players aren’t scoring or performing, yelling or using abusive language only worsens their performance. I believe in motivating them instead. Every player has a different trigger. Some respond to harsh words, while others are inspired when called a tiger or a lion. Kabaddi is a game of aggression,” Manpreet Singh explained.

He didn’t shy away from taking a dig at some of his coaching counterparts, adding:

"If a coach doesn’t energize their team during a 40-minute game, it’s tough for that team to win. I know some coaches who just sit quietly, telling players to ‘play well’ or ‘play strong.’ But they don’t explain how to play. I don’t want to be that kind of coach. I get so involved with my team that it feels like I’m playing myself.”

Manpreet embraces his reputation as an aggressive coach, even if it occasionally earns him warnings from umpires.

"Even if I get multiple cards, it doesn’t matter to me because I know I haven’t done anything wrong. I want my team to play with full energy so the audience and everyone watching can enjoy the game. That’s what kabaddi is all about," he concluded.