Nothing less than three points will be disappointing for us: Hyderabad FC head coach Thangboi Singto

Both teams have not won a game in this season’s ISL yet

Hyderabad FC finds itself on the road for their next Indian Super League 2023-24 contest as it plays Punjab FC on 7 November 2023 at the JLN Stadium in New Delhi. The Nizams are surprisingly yet to win their first game of the season. Since Manolo Marquez’s departure, the club has been in a transitional phase and struggling to find an identity.

Facing Punjab FC could be a blessing for Hyderabad FC at this stage of the league. The hosts are also without a win and are firmly placed at the bottom of the league table. Thangboi Singto, head coach of Hyderabad FC, spoke to the media representatives ahead of the game and pointed out how winning is the top priority at the moment for HFC.

He was joined by Muhammed Rafi as well during the pre-match press conference. Here are the excerpts:

Should be ready

Thangboi Singto gave credit to his coaching staff for keeping the players ready for the games amidst the busy schedule and travel. He said, “It’s not only about the games; it’s also an away game, and we have to travel. I think the most important thing is the players’ recovery. We should be ready for the game against Punjab FC.”

Punjab FC belongs to the ISL

The head coach of Hyderabad FC reserved praise for the upcoming opponents. Suggesting that they deserve to play in the top division, he said, “I think Punjab FC, coming to ISL, in the first season, have done reasonably well. Of course, seeing the standings we are above them now, but I think they have shown character and have shown that they belong to this league.”

“We as the former champions and being senior to them in the ISL, nothing less than three points will be disappointing for us on November 7th against Punjab FC,” he further added. 

Muhammed Rafi on his debut

The defender made his debut in the ISL against Bengaluru FC in the previous fixture and labelled the occasion as a prideful moment for him and his family. “It was a dream come true moment for me. Not only for myself but also for my father, who supported me throughout my journey. I’d also thank my coaches and teammates,” he said.

“I hope that I can get some playing time in the upcoming matches. I’ll give my best to the team so that we can go all out and secure three points in every match,” he concluded.

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