What does Hyderabad FC need to do in the winter transfer window?

Hyderabad FC are currently in the 11th position in the league table

Following a turbulent 2023-2024 season that saw them navigate through a period of uncertainty and financial woes Hyderabad FC, entered the current campaign with renewed optimism.

The acquisition of the club by the Jindal Group provided a much-needed boost of stability and confidence, allowing the team to focus on rebuilding and returning to the Indian Super League. Under the guidance of Head Coach Thangboi Singto and Shameel Chembakath, the Yellow and Black were expected to bounce back and have a better season.

However, their performances in the recent match weeks so far indicate that there has to be a lot of work done if they want to improve their position in the ISL. As the January transfer window edges closer, The Nawabs will be looking at new opportunities to address their shortcomings.

The winter window serves as a major chance for the Yellow and Black to improve their squad ahead of the second half of the ISL season.

How is the season going for Hyderabad FC?

The current season has been a significant disappointment for Hyderabad FC, due to the lack of proper pre-season training. Currently near the bottom of the table with just two victories, the team has struggled to replicate the form that saw them conquer the league during the 2022 season.

Inconsistency has been a key problem in their performances, with defensive lapses, and an inability to consistently create and convert scoring opportunities even during set pieces hindering their progress. While glimpses of their potential have been evident, the team has yet to find the right balance between attack and defence, leaving them searching for answers and a return to winning ways.

Despite facing a challenging season, Hyderabad FC have shown glimpses of resilience, particularly in matches against Mohammedan SC and Kerala Blasters FC. However, the team has consistently struggled to maintain momentum, conceding crucial goals that have derailed their progress even at home.

While the defence has shown occasional flashes of brilliance, defensive lapses at critical moments have proven costly. Furthermore, the team has struggled to consistently compete against the league’s top contenders, highlighting the need for strategic reinforcements to improve the squad’s position in the league table.

How are the summer signings performing?

Hyderabad FC entered the current season with renewed optimism following a successful transfer window that saw the arrival of several promising talents especially on the deadline day. Key additions included Ayush Adhikari, Sourav K, Lenny Rodrigues, Leander D’Cunha, Devendra Murgaokar, Isaac Vanmalsawma, Parag Shrivas, and Arshdeep Singh.

While Arshdeep Singh’s impact has been limited due to injury, Parag Shrivas has already made a significant contribution, registering a goal and an assist. Issac and Ayush have shown glimpses of their potential, making valuable contributions in midfield, but Sourav and Devendra have yet to consistently deliver. Leander and Lenny, in particular, have struggled to meet expectations, failing to make the desired impact on the team’s performance

In contrast to last season, Hyderabad FC entered the current campaign with a foreign contingent. CY Goddard, for example, has quickly established himself as a key playmaker, injecting creativity and dynamism into the midfield.

Allan Paulista, despite scoring a goal, has struggled to consistently influence the game, while Andrei Alba has shown glimpses of brilliance but has yet to reach his full potential.

Edmilson Correia, on the other hand, has been a standout performer, making a significant impact since his arrival. His pace, dribbling skills, and attacking prowess have proven to be a valuable asset for the team.

Hyderabad FC’s strengths and weakness

The Nawabs have shown glimpses of their potential this season, boasting a more experienced and well-rounded squad compared to the previous campaign.

The team possesses a solid defensive line consisting of players like Alex Saji, Parag Shrivas, Manoj Mohammad, and Muhammad Rafi while a midfield spearheaded by the likes of CY Goddard and Andrei Alba who are often demonstrating creativity and attacking intent. Edmilson Correia continues to be a potential threat on the wings, adding pace and goals to the team’s attack.

However, despite these strengths, Hyderabad FC have struggled to maintain consistency. Individual errors have crept into their defensive performances, leading to costly lapses. Moreover, the team has been unable to capitalize on their dominance, often losing momentum after scoring goals. The inability to convert from set pieces and a lack of clinical finishing in the final third have also hampered their progress.

What does Hyderabad FC need in the winter transfer window?

With the January transfer window looming, Hyderabad FC face a crucial period in their bid to turn around their season. This transfer window presents a crucial opportunity for the Nawabs to identify and acquire the necessary talent to strengthen their squad.

With Shameel Chembakath serving as interim head coach, Hyderabad FC must prioritize the appointment of a permanent successor. The new leader must possess a proven track record of success, including a winning mentality and experience. Furthermore, he should possess the tactical knowledge to implement a playing style that maximizes the strengths of the current squad while addressing the team’s weaknesses.

Hyderabad FC continue the club rebuild 💪◾Mohammed Kaif of Zinc Football joins Hyderabad FC. He will join Diamond Harbour on loan till the end of season.◾Augustine Lalrochana signs pre-contract with HFC; will join club in summer transfer window◾Clarence Fernandes of… pic.twitter.com/il07QtbNXj

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) January 2, 2025

Defensive lapses have been a recurring theme, with the absence of Arshdeep Singh severely impacting their goalkeeping department. Both Biaka Jongte and Karanjeet Singh have struggled to fill the void left by Arshdeep, conceding several goals. Reinforcing the defensive line with a reliable goalkeeper should be a priority for the club.

Furthermore, the team’s attacking output has been inconsistent, with a lack of creativity on the right flank. The club needs to identify and acquire a strong and experienced right-winger who can provide width, create scoring opportunities, and inject pace with precision and flair into their attack.

While the current roster boasts a talented young core, the team could benefit from the addition of experienced players. Additionally, the introduction of a sixth foreign player would significantly enhance the squad depth and provide greater tactical flexibility for the Yellow and Black.

However, all is not lost for the Yellow and Black. With a talented roster and a renewed focus on addressing their weaknesses, Hyderabad FC can still turn their season around. The upcoming transfer window presents a crucial opportunity to strengthen the squad with targeted signings, particularly in areas where the team has shown vulnerabilities.

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