Interim Singapore national football coach Gavin Lee says his team is focused on consistency, discipline, and self-belief as the Lions prepare for their upcoming double-header against India in the AFC qualifying rounds.
Lee, 34, who took over as interim coach earlier this year following Tsutomu Ogura’s departure, has named a 26-member squad for what he described as a “crucial” set of fixtures — though, he added, the word was “relative.”
“Every team in the group believes it has an opportunity to qualify,” Lee told Connected To India. “No one can take anything for granted. India may feel more pressure given their position, but Singapore’s approach will be to remain sharp and disciplined. We’re expecting two very tough matches.”
The young coach, who also serves as technical director at Tampines Rovers, has drawn attention for his calm and analytical approach. Under him, Singapore is looking to build on its improved performances in recent regional tournaments, including a strong showing at the Merlion Cup earlier this year.
Lee’s current squad features a blend of experience and youth, with the recall of veteran players such as Hariss Harun and Safuwan Baharudin alongside emerging talents like Ryhan Stewart and Ilhan Fandi.
“It’s not about who’s old or young,” Lee explained. “We just want the best possible team on the field. Experienced heads bring calm and direction; younger players bring energy and excitement. The mix of both creates a vibrant group.”
Asked about how he plans to tackle India’s attacking style of play, Lee said the team’s focus remains inward rather than reactive.
“Our message hasn’t changed — it’s about focusing on ourselves,” he said. “Our intention is always to produce performances that make Singaporeans proud. Playing at home gives us familiarity and stability, while away matches are about managing the unknowns and staying composed. That’s why playing Malaysia recently was important — it gave us the kind of atmosphere and preparation we’ll need on the road.”
Among the talking points in Singapore’s setup are the Fandi brothers, both of whom play forward. Lee dismissed suggestions that managing both in the lineup poses a challenge.
“It’s not difficult,” he said. “Football lasts 90, sometimes 100 minutes. You need a team that can sustain intensity for the full duration. It’s about finding the right mix at the right moment.”
On the question of how long it might take for Singapore to break into the world’s top 100 football nations, Lee said the process was complex and required systemic alignment.
“If it were easy, we’d have done it already,” he noted. “Every country has challenges — Bangladesh, Hong Kong, everyone. What’s important is for us as a nation to move in the same direction, get more things right than wrong, and keep building.”
Turning to the upcoming fixtures, Lee urged fans to turn up in numbers and back the team.
“We want them to come down and be loud,” he said with a smile. “Football is always easier with their support. If we have a 12th man behind us, it’ll be fantastic. The fans have always been there for us — we just want to repay them with performances they can be proud of.”
The coach added that his staff has thoroughly analyzed India’s team composition and style but declined to reveal tactical details.
“We’ve done our homework,” he said. “India has retained several players from the recent tournaments and added a few new ones. Their coach has a clear identity, so we don’t expect huge changes, but football is full of surprises. Even with analysis, nothing can be taken for granted.”
Lee’s grounded tone and emphasis on collective effort reflect his broader philosophy. “Ultimately,” he said, “we want Singaporeans to have a national team they can be proud of.”
