For Lion City Sailors centre back Lionel Tan, 2023 was a transformative year in both his professional and personal life.
On the professional front, the 27-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough year, making his debuts for both the Sailors and the Singapore senior national team. But behind the scenes, few knew of the personal struggles he was grappling with.
“I was going through some personal problems that I had to face alone,” Lionel admitted. “It affected me mentally — sometimes, even when I was in peak physical condition, that mental barrier made things difficult on the pitch.”
However, with sheer determination and the unwavering support of his club and teammates, Lionel managed to push through the tough times.
“Learning to appreciate the smaller things in life helped me stay mentally strong,” he reflected. “That balance allowed me to stay focused and give my best on the pitch. Looking back, I’ve come out of it much stronger.”
Lionel’s renewed focus and mental resilience have translated into stellar performances this season. Amidst established names like Bailey Wright and Toni Datković, he has cemented himself as one of Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković’s most trusted defenders — playing every minute of the Sailors’ Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two campaign so far.
Indeed, his defensive prowess has been instrumental in the Sailors’ historic run to the knockout stages, where they will face Thailand’s Muangthong United on Thursday (13 February).
But despite the Sailors’ strong record against Thai teams this season — with two wins over Port FC and a draw against Buriram United — Lionel is not taking anything for granted when his team goes up against Muangthong.
“This is one of the biggest tournaments in the region, and it’s the first time a Singaporean side has made it this far. The level is extremely high, so we cannot take anything for granted,” Lionel said. “We’re loving the challenge, and we’ve worked hard to get here. Now, our goal is to go to Thailand and return home with a victory.”
Looking back on his journey since signing for the Sailors two years ago, Lionel is proud of how he has evolved, both as a player and as a person. But he insists there is still more to come from him.
“I’m happy to keep progressing at a high level with the Sailors,” he said. “Despite the ups and downs, I love the pressure and demands that come with playing for this club. This is just the beginning for me. As long as I’m wearing the Sailors badge, I will give my everything.”
With the Sailors still competing on three fronts — the SPL, the Singapore Cup, and ACL Two — Lionel is determined to play his part in bringing silverware to the club.
“Every single person in this club knows our objective is to win trophies,” Lionel said. “We’re working hard every day, and I’m confident that by the end of the season, we will achieve our goals — not just for ourselves, but for the fans who have supported us all the way.”
