The Boss Spoke To Us About His Side’s Win Against Odisha FC, The Squad Strength And The Impact Of Younger Players…
On the game against Odisha FC…
Odisha is a very good, organised team and it is difficult to get three points against them even though they aren’t in great form. They were giving it all and making it difficult for us. Such games, if you don’t take a two-goal lead you can suffer like we did from that set piece. They have Taylor, a big player, who won that contest and they were back in the game.
At that moment it was difficult for us. We ended up giving them a few chances in situations that could have managed better. The injury to Ashique might have had an impact on the players because it was a really bad injury. When they looked at the injury they would have been in a little shock. But I am very satisfied with the way they came back to score the second goal. I have to say congratulations to the team because it was a very tough game.
On Cleiton Silva’s form…
Cleiton is a fantastic player, he has a lot of experience in Thailand and we were very happy to sign him. He has a lot of quality, is a clever player and makes good decisions. He gives us a lot of versatility, we can use him as a striker, as a no. 10 and even as a winger. That means we can work in different systems with him.
On the squad depth…
I am very happy with the depth of the squad, they do what I ask them to and have shown that they are ready to be a part of the team. Everyone is going to have an opportunity with the situation we have, living in the bubble and with another game in just three days’ time.
It was very difficult to get the three points and we had to make few substitutions because the players on the pitch were tired and Ashique got injured. After five or six games, it is normal to start making more substitutions and the guys who are coming on are helping the team to the three points. I am really happy with their work.
On the use of long diagonal balls…
We know they are an offensive team, so we tried to use diagonal long balls to create a 2 vs 1 situation in the attack.
On the versatility of his players…
We are a solid team where everyone knows what they have to do in different positions. New players need time to adapt because of the level we demand, it is very high; like maintaining a high line in defence or the precise movements in the attack. Everybody is focused and ready.
On the impact of young players…
They have been working well since the start of the season. I am very happy and they know that. There is a lot of pressure on everyone because we are a team that’s always fighting for the playoffs. Every little decision we make is complicated to manage. That’s why I always wait for the right moment in the games to give them opportunities. And until now, they have been doing very well.
It takes time to adjust but I am happy. Last year Ashique and Suresh took some time and finally they could help us during the season. This season is the same. Amay is improving and making good contributions to the team, the substitutions in defence are working well and we are able to manage our attack also with all the options we have.
On Ashique’s injury…
It looks like a bad injury, it looks like a fracture of a bone in the face. I feel very sorry for him, because I believe he was our best player so far this season. It will take some time to have him back, but we wish him a quick recovery.
