Hyderabad FC head coach Thangboi Singto admitted Punjab FC were much fitter than them after their 2-0 loss at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi in the Indian Super League on Wednesday. Pulga Vidal and Filip Mrzljak scored for the Shers in both halves to give a dominating win to their team.

The home team also took seven shots on target whereas the visitors could only manage a single shot on goal. The Shers have got off to a dream start in the tournament as they won all of their three matches.

The Indian coach admitted his players should have grabbed their chances in the first half but it wasn’t to be the case.

“I think with the young players, we created chances. In the first half, I think, it wasn’t too open, but with two, three chances, I think we should have taken those chances. The same happened in the first match, also against BFC. But overall, I think I would say that it was going to be a tough game and it went as a tough game,” Singto said in the post-match press conference.

“Punjab FC were much fitter. They kept the ball much better than us. So, I think the only thing we can do is go back and keep training and keep coming back and improving on the areas we have to improve,” Singto further added, sharing his thoughts on their overall performance.

Singto feels his team was on par in terms of football level with the opposition before they conceded the first half goal from a long range free-kick.

Speaking in context, he stated, “I think the goal, the free kick goal. Because Punjab FC knew that with a goal lead, they could play more, more confidently. I think before that we were equal to them. I would say in terms of playing, maybe not in terms of fitness.”

“But they (Punjab FC) too were on the runs in terms of trying to block counter. We step by step in my match then. But that free kick. Credit, credit to (Pulga) Vidal. But Arshdeep (Singh) should have done better; I have to see again. That was stunning for him,” he continued.