For us, Kalinga Super Cup is about giving exposure to youngsters who haven't received game-time, says Thangboi Singto

Hyderabad FC will begin their Kalinga Super Cup campaign against East Bengal on 9 January.

Hyderabad FC find themselves in a tough Group A of the Kalinga Super Cup alongside the likes of East Bengal FC, Mohun Bagan SG and Sreenidi Deccan FC. The winners of the 2021-22 Indian Super League Trophy are having a terrible ISL 2023-24 season, with no wins to speak of after 11 fixtures.

Thangboi Singto, the head coach of Hyderabad FC, took part in the pre-tournament press conference ahead of the 2024 Kalinga Super Cup’s first game against East Bengal FC. The tactician indicated that the tournament will be an opportunity for the youngsters at the club to showcase their talent. He also spoke about the group being tough due to the quality of the teams in it.

Here are the excerpts from the conversation:

Hoping to compete well

Hyderabad FC have lost several foreign players and stand to lose more domestic individuals due to the unfortunate state of the club’s financial situation. In this situation, the club will likely field its young players as it tries to get the house in order.

Speaking on how the club is approaching the tournament, Thangboi Singto suggested that it is an opportunity for the outfit to test its young players by giving them a platform. He said, “The Super Cup is always important. For us, this season, it is a different approach. We plan to compete well but in terms of searching for younger talents. We have brought nine U-21 players. It is a big opportunity for them to give their best. It will be a tough group, we have East Bengal, Mohun Bagan and Sreenidi Deccan who have been doing well. For us, we will take it game by game and we will try to be as competitive as possible.”

Atmosphere is good

Hyderabad FC are yet to win a single game in the ongoing 2023-24 Indian Super League and languish at the bottom place in the standings. When asked about the effect of the negative results on the morale of the players, Singto said, “The dressing room’s atmosphere is very good. For us, this tournament is about giving exposure to the youngsters who have not received game-time. We will be trying our best to compete against East Bengal tomorrow. Once we enter the field, we will try to give our best to the boys.”

Focus on the upcoming game

Thangboi Singto clarified that the challenge in front of Hyderabad FC is tough due to the quality of the teams in Group A. However, the side expects to face the obstacles one by one, hoping for success in the end. “For us, it will be tough. Apart from East Bengal, there are two other teams, they (East Bengal) have a Kolkata derby and we also have a Hyderabad derby. But currently our focus is on the game against East Bengal,” he concluded.

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