ISL 2025-26: Sporting Club Delhi Head Coach Thomas Tchorz confident ahead of the clash against FC Goa

Sporting Club Delhi face FC Goa away from home in their next ISL fixture

Sporting Club Delhi will take on FC Goa at the Fatorda Stadium on 26 February, with kick-off scheduled for 7:30 PM, as they continue their search for their first points of the season.

Yet to open their account in ISL, Sporting Club Delhi head into the fixture under pressure, with every performance carrying added significance in their debut campaign. As a new team, establishing competitiveness early will be crucial not only to build confidence but also to avoid being drawn into a relegation battle.

Facing a well-organised FC Goa side at home presents a stern challenge, but the encounter also offers SC Delhi an opportunity to demonstrate resilience, progression, and intent as they look to lay the foundations for long-term stability in the league.

Sporting Club Delhi’s Head Coach Thomas Tchorz addressed the media at the pre match press conference ahead of the fixture against FC Goa

Here is what the Head Coach said

The game plan against FC Goa

Speaking on the challenge posed by FC Goa, the head coach emphasized the importance of preparation and adaptability while remaining committed to his team’s long-term playing philosophy. He noted that Goa are a well-organized side, particularly strong defensively, and have added tactical flexibility in attack.

“As with every game, we analyze the opponent and try to adjust how we want to play. FC Goa are very compact defensively and now also have an interesting attacking approach. They often play with both strikers operating between the lines, something we are familiar with, especially from Indian football.”

” Their coach Manolo Marquez brings modern ideas and usually plays with a back four. We are aware of these aspects and will prepare accordingly. However, regardless of how FC Goa play, we have our own style that we want to implement and develop.”

“Developing our style of play is a long-term objective. This match is also an opportunity to improve and introduce new elements to our game.”

On breaking down FC Goa’s defensive structure

Acknowledging the difficulty of playing at the Fatorda Stadium, the coach explained how Goa’s compactness often limits attacking space.

“They are very compact, and at Fatorda they make the field very small, making it difficult to access spaces between the lines. We have ideas on how to break their lines and attack the space behind, but I will not reveal them now. What I can say is that we have studied their game carefully and will be well prepared.”

On defensive concerns and goals conceded

Addressing questions regarding the team’s defensive record, the coach urged patience and perspective.

“We have conceded many goals, but we are a newly established club and team. Almost the entire starting eleven is different from the first two games of the season.”

“The players need time to understand each other and learn how to deal with pressure. What has happened so far is an investment for the future.”

“Let’s judge this team after the season, not after two matches. With time, good work and a positive mindset, we will concede fewer goals and score more.”

On experienced players like Ashutosh Mehta and Alex Saji

When asked about the importance of experienced players such as Ashutosh Mehta and Alex Saji, the coach spoke highly of their influence.

“Ashutosh is a very experienced and intelligent player. He knows how to lead the team and support younger players. We need leaders like him and Alex in a squad with many young players.”

“All players are motivated, training very hard and waiting for their chance. It does not matter when the opportunity comes, but how you use it.

On team morale after early defeats

Despite the lack of results, the coach maintained that the mood within the camp remains competitive and focused.

“Of course, when you lose matches, the mood is not the same as when you win. But our players understand that this is the beginning of a process.”

“We understand our reality. We will not change our strategy but continue improving. The results will come.”

Message to the fans

Concluding the press conference, the coach delivered a heartfelt message to the supporters.

“You support a club because it represents your community, not only because of results. You support football because you love the game.”

“It is easy to support the team when everything is good. It is more difficult when it is not, but that defines who we are. Our fans understand the reality, and we will grow together and be happy together sooner than later.” He said.

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