We can do well in this game too, asserts Shameel Chembakath on facing Mohun Bagan

The Hyderabad FC assistant coach also revelaed who could replace injured Aaren D’Silva.

As Hyderabad FC embarks on a journey to Kolkata, they brace themselves for a crucial clash against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the upcoming ISL fixture at the iconic Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday, February 10.

Plagued by a mere four points, the Nawabs are in a dire struggle at the bottom of the standings. Meanwhile, the Mariners, positioned fifth, are looking for success, fueled by the intensity of their recent 2-2 draw with East Bengal in the previous weekend.

Hyderabad FC assistant coach Shameel Chembakath addressed the media on Thursday, Numaish February 8th along with young midfielder Makan Chothe.

On facing Mohun Bagan after a home game.

In their recent home game, Hyderabad FC showcased their ability to create scoring opportunities; however, they faced challenges in converting those chances into goals. The Assistant coach Shameel Chembakath however has shown great belief in this young team.

“We are working very hard in the training sessions. What we can offer our fans is much better; and they deserve a better outcome. In the last two matches, the young players have performed well by creating numerous chances. We are currently focusing on our upcoming games and aiming to be in a better position”

On the squad

With numerous departures in the winter transfer window, the young talents of the team have risen to the occasion, earning their spots in the starting 11. Makan Chothe is consistently observed to be dribbling and attacking  in the opponent’s half, forming effective partnerships with Abdul Rabeeh on the right wing and Ramhlunchhunga on the left.

On being a regular starter for the team now, Chothe showed immense confidence in himself.

“You need to be ready. Whenever a situation comes that you are called on to play, you have to be ready. I need to prove myself on the pitch and give my hundred percent whenever there is an opportunity ” Chothe said.

Coach Shameel Chembakath also mentioned that Aaren D’Silva, who sustained an injury against FC Goa and during subsequent training, might be unavailable for the match against Mohun Bagan. This could open the opportunity for young Joseph Sunny to be a part of the playing 11 again.

“Joseph Sunny will most probably start for us because Aaren D’Silva has got injured in training and might miss out.”

On facing an experienced side against these young players

Hyderabad FC has been playing with a youthful lineup in the second phase of the ISL, and the young talents are making a significant impact with commendable performances. But on the other hand the Mariners have a lot of experienced Indian as well as foreign players.

On facing an experienced squad against these young players Coach Shameel Chembakath said – “If you see Mohun Bagan, one of their key strengths is that they have experienced players, including the foreign players. But we have also showed what we can do against them in the Super Cup. We were leading the game till the 88th minute. They were playing five foreigners and yet our boys remained resilient.

“This means that we can do well against them on Saturday as well, and As you can see, a lot of our young players have come off the bench and have done really well. And if the team can maintain this consistency, we can do well in this game too. We created a lot of chances in our last two games against Goa and Odisha but failed to convert them into goals which we have to now.”

Makan Winkle Chothe, who has solidified his position as an attacking midfielder in the second leg notably, scoring a crucial goal against Sreenidi Deccan FC in the Super Cup agreed with his Coach.

“We are a young team along with a few experienced players. It feels good to play with this team. I feel that We can beat the opposition defenders with our pace if we can weave past them and try to create chances. We have to focus and work hard on bringing a positive result. We may have to put more team effort and create more chances and convert them into goals to have a positive result.”

On playing the Mariners against this crucial period of the season

The ISL teams are entering a pivotal phase where the competition intensifies, making the battle for a spot in the top 6 increasingly crucial and significant. When asked if playing this fixture at this crucial point of the ISL has caused any additional pressure on the team, Shameel Chembakath believed that Mohun Bagan is a difficult opponent at any point in the tournament

“I don’t think that they are easy to play against at any given time. They have a new coach now and are playing an entirely different formation. They seem more aggressive now. Our strategy is still going to be the same but we would give our best both individually and as a team. It won’t be an easy game but I am sure that we will do our best.” he concluded.

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