Have to be on our toes and on our guard, asserts Thangboi Singto on facing Punjab FC

Singto praised his young players for the intensity they play with.

After a nail-biting clash with Bengaluru FC, Hyderabad FC are back on their home turf, hungry for redemption and ready to face a riveting clash against Punjab FC at the GMC Balayogi Stadium Hyderabad on Tuesday, 27th of February.

Despite not have gained their first victory, Hyderabad FC has showcased commendable performances, narrowly falling short by just one goal in their recent encounters. The team’s resilience and competitive edge are evident, providing promising glimpses even in the face of close defeats.

Hyderabad FC head coach Thangboi Singto and midfielder Ramhlunchhunga addressed the media earlier today.

On having to play a match without enough time to rest

Hyderabad FC played against Bengaluru FC on Saturday and now they face Punjab FC on Tuesday, On being asked about the limited time they had for the preparation this is what the head coach replied.

“It’s as if we don’t even have the time to breath. We reached Hyderabad yesterday, trained today and have a match tomorrow. I don’t want to complain because that’s how the ISL usually is, lot of teams face a situation like this at one time or the other. We just have to adapt and adjust. Today is a day of recovery – both physically and mentally. But I’m not worried much about their recovery since they are young and have a fast recovery rate. I don’t think anything will hold them down on the pitch. Hopefully we get a positive result, We’re back home so we hope to have a good day tomorrow.”

On Joao Victor and Alex Saji joining the squad again

After facing suspension due to red cards in the Bengaluru game, Captain Joao Victor and Alex Saji are set to rejoin the squad for the upcoming matches.

The tactician believes that it would be an increase for the team strength. “I think it’ll help us have a balanced squad. Most of the young players have been playing for all the 90 minutes which is not easy. We are happy to welcome Joao and Alex back. But it’s good to see how the players have actually stepped up and proved why they need to be a part of the starting 11. We get stronger tomorrow for sure” He asserted.

On the approach they have for facing Punjab FC

Punjab FC has exhibited strong form in the latter half of the ISL season; however, they experienced a setback in their recent match, resulting in a defeat against Jamshedpur FC by 4 goals.

Speaking about the approach they were going to implement the boss felt that Hyderabad FC has to be on their guard. “Punjab FC may have lost the last match but I feel they have a strengthened squad. With foreigners upfront, they have shown us that they can defeat experienced teams in the ISL. So we have to be on our toes and on our guard. In the last few games our players have changed their approach and have begun to understand the team better. The boys are motivated, I hope they feel fresh and they can give the same intensity and energy they gave In their previous game and get a positive result” He said

On their performance against Bengaluru FC

In a nail-biting encounter between Hyderabad FC and Bengaluru FC, the Nawabs showcased a commendable performance despite facing a 2-1 defeat. The coach agreed that despite the defeat the team has been positive.

“We scored a goal after a long time, We had created chances but now that we scored it is a positive sign. It has not been that easy for us to score goals, Joseph Sunny who is a young player has stepped up in place of Aaren D Silva and has played incredibly well defying expectations but it’s not easy when you face experienced center-backs, But I think we did well against Bengaluru FC and we hope to continue performing well.” He said.

Ramhlunchhunga on his goal against Bengaluru FC

Ramhlunchhunga had scored his first ISL goal against Bengaluru FC on Saturday. Despite his personal achievement, the midfielder expressed a sense of sadness as the team couldn’t secure a victory in the match.

“I have always dreamt of playing in the ISL and I’m very happy to be scoring a goal. It’s my first ISL goal and I’m happy to have got it, I was waiting for this since I worked really hard for this and even created a few chances but couldn’t convert them And finally scoring a goal definitely feels good. But we ended up being on the side of an unlucky defeat”

On facing Punjab FC for the next match

“We want to prove ourselves We are working hard, we are young and are hungry to win. It was a narrow defeat in the last match. We are creating chances but we haven’t been successful, So hopefully tomorrow that will change” he concluded.

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