1. For those who may not know you yet, can you introduce yourself?
My name is Manas Dubey, and I currently play for Odisha FC in the Indian Super League, the top division of Indian football.
Previously, I have played for clubs such as FC Pune City, Hyderabad FC (now known as SC Delhi), and Shillong Lajong FC, among others. I’ve also had the opportunity to gain exposure across Europe in Poland, Spain, and the UAE, which has been a huge part of my development as a goalkeeper.
2. If you had to describe your goalkeeping style, which international goalkeeper best represents it and why?
Honestly, I try to pick up bits and pieces from different goalkeepers and incorporate them into my game.
I love watching how explosive Robert Sánchez is in goal. I also really admire Alisson’s comfort on the ball and his composure in possession. In terms of pure shot-stopping, Gianluigi Donnarumma is one of the best in my opinion.
I also enjoyed watching Édouard Mendy during his time at Chelsea, because my framework is quite similar to his, which helped me learn and adapt certain aspects into my own game.
3. How does it feel to start this season with Odisha FC again?
This season started after quite a long break for us, but I was grateful that I could continue training during that time.
I spent time working with FC Andorra in Spain and also trained with Reliance Foundation Young Champs in Mumbai, which helped me stay sharp. However, nothing beats the feeling of being back with my team and preparing for the season together.
My personal aim this season is to make my debut in the Indian Super League for Odisha FC and help the team win games.
4. What’s different about you as a goalkeeper this season compared to last year?
Last season I was playing for Shillong Lajong FC in the Indian Football League (IFL), which is the second division of Indian football. After performing well there, I earned a move to Odisha FC during the January transfer window.
The transition was definitely challenging because the quality of foreign players in the ISL is much higher, which naturally raises the level of competition.
When I joined Odisha FC, my goalkeeping coach Manu Patricio was a huge blessing. I learned a lot from him in a short span of time, and it helped me elevate my game going into this season.
Mentally, I now feel more settled and clearer about what is required of me and what I need to do to reach my goals. I’ve worked very hard during the off-season, and I’m extremely excited for the season ahead.
5. What are you personally aiming for this season?
My primary aim this season is to make my debut and earn minutes in the Indian Super League. It would be a fantastic opportunity for me to take my game to the next level and contribute to the team.
6. What’s the biggest difference between the ISL and the IFL in terms of intensity, tactics, and expectations?
In my opinion, the biggest difference between the IFLand the ISL is the quality of foreign players.
Interestingly, from a goalkeeper’s perspective, the IFL can sometimes feel more intense because teams often play very direct football. They are constantly looking to attack and score quickly rather than maintaining possession, which keeps you fully engaged throughout the 90 minutes.
In the ISL, however, the foreign players bring a higher level of quality and efficiency, which means that when chances do come, they tend to be more clinical and dangerous.
7. How was your time in Spain before the start of the season?
I was very grateful to spend three months training in Barcelona before the season began.
The people I worked with were incredibly professional and supportive. Joel Muot Vivar, who was my goalkeeper coach at Gimnàstic Manresa (the reserve side of FC Andorra), helped me learn something new every day. One of the biggest improvements came in my set position, which has greatly helped my shot-stopping ability.
I also worked with Iker Camacho, who coached me through individual sessions and really pushed my physical development. Those sessions were intense, but extremely beneficial for my overall performance.
8. What was different about the training environment there compared to India?
One of the biggest differences I noticed was how quickly players think and make decisions.
That naturally increases the tempo and intensity of training, and it creates an environment where you’re constantly learning and adapting. I absolutely loved being in that setup because every single day presented an opportunity to improve.
9. How important was your time at Guardians Football in shaping you as a goalkeeper?
Guardians Football Academy has been a cornerstone of Pune’s football culture, helping keep the game alive while creating a pathway for young goalkeepers.
Ketan Sarode (Founder of Guardians Football Academy) has always been someone I could rely on whenever I needed guidance. Even today, whenever I’m back in Pune and want to get a few sessions in, he is always my go-to coach.
His perspective on the goalkeeper position is very unique, and every time I train with him, I learn something new that helps me improve my game.
10. What role do Mizogi gloves play in your performance at this level?
For me, MIZOGI is more than just a brand, it feels like family.
I’ve been fortunate to be associated with MIZOGI from the early days, and the gloves have played a huge role in building my confidence over the past 18 months.
The PRIMAS V.G. 1.0 goalkeeper gloves were truly a game-changer for me. I had never experienced that level of latex quality and durability in India, especially when playing on artificial surfaces.
Throughout my career, I’ve used many Indian and international brands, but with PRIMAS V.G. 1.0 and NEXA R.G. 1.0, I finally felt the confidence and reliability I had been searching for.
NEXA R.G. 1.0 in particular helped me tremendously in wet conditions, something I had always struggled with previously.
I’m genuinely excited about the future with MIZOGI and what’s ahead as we continue pushing my game to new levels.
11. What advice would you give young Indian goalkeepers who dream of playing in the ISL?
Confidence is everything for a goalkeeper. Your mindset plays a huge role in how you train and perform in matches.
My message to young goalkeepers is simple: the road is long, but belief is everything.
I was actually a fat kid who started playing football at the age of 14 with no prior experience, so if I can make it this far, anyone can.
It’s not easy. Consistency is the key. You have to do the monotonous things the right way every single day, without worrying too much about the outcome.
Every drop of sweat and every decision you make compounds over time. Even if things don’t go your way immediately, stick to the craft, focus on improving every day, and keep putting in the extra hours.
Most importantly, enjoy playing football and keep chasing your dream.
