Five reasons why Delhi Dynamos can qualify for the playoffs this season

The capital club have got in quite a few good foreign acquisitions including new head coach Josep Gombau.

Kicking-off against Pune City on 3rd October, the Lions are looking well-prepared for the ongoing Indian Super League campaign and will look to improve from last season's performances.

Delhi Dynamos had an abysmal time during the 2017-18 edition, finishing 8th in the final league standings. The fans are desperate for a better performance from their team. There have been myriad of changes made in order to stand up to the expectations of their loyal supporters. As such, qualification for the playoffs is the minimum requirement for the capital club this season.

Therefore, we take a look at the preparations and summarise why the Dynamos can qualify for the playoffs in the upcoming season:

5. Strong pre-season performances

The pre-season is the best source in order to predict a club’s fortunes ahead of the start to a new season. If the pre-season is any indication, then the fans of the Delhi-based club are in for a treat. Dynamos played their pre-season in two phases; first was in Kolkata under their assistant coach, Mridul Banerjee. They outclassed their oppositions there.

For the second phase, they flew to Doha, Qatar and played against local clubs, where they showed similar promise in a draw and a defeat. Rene Mihelic and Marcos Tebar have looked particularly solid in midfield, which is a sign of good things to come.

4. New additions to the squad

New acquisition Marcos Tebar had an impressive time with FC Pune City

Delhi Dynamos have been ambitious while adding new players to their roster. Among an impressive lineup of new foreign signings, the ones who stand out are - Marcos Tebar, the defensive midfielder from Spain who had an impressive last season with FC Pune City. Gianni Zuiverloon, the Dutch defender who has Premier League experience under his belt and Rene Mihelic, the Slovenian who was a part of the title-winning squad of Chennaiyin FC last campaign.

The Delhi-based outfit are also well stocked on the domestic front with players like Daniel Lalhlimpuia and Shubham Sarangi. The addition of Narayan Das has also lifted the mood around the club and he has already shown his potential in pre-season.The perfect synergy between the old and new players, foreign stars and domestic talents can propel the Lions into the playoffs.

3. Possession-based identity on the field

Fans of the club have always demanded entertaining football on the pitch regardless of the results. With a new manager in each season of the ISL so far, Delhi Dynamos have suffered from a lack of identity on the field and have simply lacked flair, leading to empty seats at the iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. However, the appointment of Gombau could fix this longstanding problem.

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The former FC Barcelona youth academy coach believes in playing possession-based football and has expressed his desire to make it a responsibility for the club to play entertaining football. The Dynamos' midfield will contain Spanish flair provided by the likes of Tebar, Adria Carmona and Marti Crespi. This will sure bring a smile to the faces of the Dynamos fans, who should flock to the stadium to watch the beautiful game in its full glory.

2. Support from the fans

Delhi Dynamos play their home matches at the towering Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium that has a capacity of 60,000 people. Add to that, the Lions are one of the teams with a passionate and massive fan-following. The resounding cheers and support from the home crowd acts as an extra man and can intimidate the best of visiting teams. Filling the seats with beautiful football on display, full of style and flair will be the top priority for the manager, players and club officials.

In order to qualify for the playoffs, Gombau will depend on strong home performances throughout the campaign, preferably turning the home ground into a fortress. Fans have long yearned for their team to play in sync and with panache, in a way that is pleasing to the eyes. The new gaffer’s attacking philosophy and possession-based strategy could be the perfect remedy in this case.

1. The arrival of the new Spanish gaffer will play an important role

The Spaniard believes in playing entertaining football, full of flair and finesse; something the fans are truly desperate for

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Gombau, the former Barcelona youth coach will take up the mantle from Miguel Angel Portugal as the new manager of Delhi Dynamos. The 42-year-old has bags of experience behind him, having coached clubs like Western Sydney Wanderers, Adelaide United and Kitchee SC.

The new gaffer believes in playing entertaining football, full of flair and finesse; something the fans are truly desperate for. The appointment has sent waves of anticipation and positivity in and around the club and makes the intentions of the management very clear. Bringing in Gombau could be a stroke of genius and could result in Delhi qualifying for the playoffs this season.