Hyderabad FC’s head coach Thangboi Singto was delighted after their 2-1 win against Kerala Blasters FC in the Indian Super League at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi on Thursday.
Singto said it was a very good result for them after bagging all three points despite playing away. Jesus Jimenez continued his rich for the Yellow Tuskers as he scored in the 13th minute to put his team in front.
However, Andrei Alba equalised just before the halftime in the 43rd minute. Alba scored his second goal of the night in the 70th minute to help his team register a come-from-behind win.
Singto felt they could not control the ball as the pitch was wet and fast.
“In terms of our play, I think it was by far not our best game because the pitch was very quick and wet. We could not really control the ball.”
“Some of our players, like for example Chunga, (who) is one of our best players in terms of keeping the ball. But from the beginning of the game, it was… But credit to Kerala Blasters because they were really pressing us higher. Yeah, in terms of results, well, I mean, it was a very, very good result for us because, you know, sometimes you need luck, and today was a day where maybe the goal of luck was having mercy on us,” shared Singto.
The Indian coach wants his players to be more ruthless despite the win and make the most of their chances in the upcoming matches.
“We want the attackers to be selfish. That’s where the goals are created, chances are created. But you have to also take into consideration that you play for the team. And if a player in front of you is in a better position, why not? That’s your credit too,” he shared.
“So those things I think we need to instil. We need to keep reminding them that if you want to progress further, those things need to be improved individually and of course as a group,” the head coach added.
After missing out on a clean sheet, Singto was happy with the way his team fought back to get the desired win.
“My target was, I was speaking to Alex (Saji) before the game and said, “Alex, today should be a clean sheet for the defence group.”
“It didn’t happen. We could see it in 12-13 minutes (when we conceded). But credit to the boys, they came back strong. And that’s what the grit, that spirit, despite all the challenges, the way Kerala Blasters FC played, pressed us, it was difficult. The crowd, the pressure was there. The humidity was one challenge because most of the players were huffing and puffing. But a great result for us. And for the few fans who came to support, thank you very much,” Singto commented.
Hyderabad FC will next take on Odisha FC at the G.M.C. Balayogi Athletic Stadium, Hyderabad on 25th November after the International break.
