The Boss Discusses Mumbai Double, A Dominant Performance And Boithang’s ISL Debut…
On this being one of the better performances of the season…
Yes, it’s true that this was one of our better performances in this season. We wanted to turn things around as quick as possible after the loss in the last game, and having a really good game against Mumbai was important. I asked my boys to give me a reaction in today’s match and they delivered, so yes, I’m very happy.
On the strategy against Mumbai’s reshuffled lineup…
We were playing with a lot of focus since the very beginning, and I think that surprised them a bit. They weren’t able to manage the game like we did, as we improved step-by-step throughout the ninety minutes. After the goals we could control the game as we settled down. There’s no easy games in the League, and definitely not against Mumbai. Ruidas started off as a winger but after Raju’s injury he moved behind, and they had to make some adjustments. We tried to take advantage of that and I think we did well. But it’s a shame that we couldn’t keep a clean sheet. But yes, they have very good players, like Emana who was voted the best player in Segunda Division not long ago. But today, my team was better and we didn’t allow them to be comfortable at all.
On the improved performance and changes in the second half…
I don’t think we needed to change anything in the second half as we had a good performance in the first and continued with the same approach. Of course, when they scored, it was a dangerous situation. If they could have got the second goal, it would have been tough for us having managed the game so well till that time. I think that’s when we made a change by taking out a striker and bolstering our midfield.
On not being able to keep a clean sheet…
I am really happy to win this game. The way that we won today, as a coach, that’s what I’m looking for. So there’s nothing to complain about the players. Everyone wants to be perfect, but it’s not possible every time and that’s football. Against Mumbai, who has so many good attackers, it was difficult to keep the clean sheet, but it’s okay. The most important thing was the three points and we need to keep working hard.
On whether the penalty decision handed the Blues an upper hand in the game…
Yes it did, but we also managed the game very well till that point and created those chances. The defenders will tackle if you move closer to the box, and post that it was a refereeing decision. We did concede a last-minute penalty in Delhi as well, and I think it’s up to the officials to analyse the situation. But I don’t think that the penalty decision changed the game. I think it’s because we were superior since the beginning.
On scoring from a set-piece once again…
We are working hard with set-pieces for every game, because almost 30% of goals are coming through set pieces. Not just us, but I think all the teams are taking it seriously. Today I’m happy for the goal through the set-piece, because after Carles left, we were maybe not so balanced in that aspect, but our entire coaching staff is working hard and it’s showing. I’m happy for my staff as wel, because we’re getting results in an important aspect of our game.
On Boithang Haokip’s impressive debut…
I’m very happy for Boithang. He didn’t have enough chances till now, but today he proved himself and we can keep counting on him. He has been working hard in the training sessions, and he performed better than I expected despite the fact that he wasn’t involved in many competitive games so far. He put in a good 70-odd minute shift in intense conditions. I would like everyone to step up in the squad as we now play an important game in the AFC Cup.
