ISL 2024-25: Hyderabad FC Season Review

The Nawabs ended up in the 12th position in the league table.

Indian Super League (ISL) club Hyderabad FC have had a season to forget . The club’s season was filled with a series of on-field disappointments and severe off-field financial instability. This culminated in the drastic decision to withdraw from the Durand Cup, a move that signaled to many that the club’s existence was in serious jeopardy. The atmosphere surrounding Hyderabad FC was one of impending dissolution, with fans anticipating the club’s demise.

However, in a dramatic turn of events, a last-minute rescue materialized on the transfer deadline day. The BC Jindal Group, stepped in to acquire the club, providing an essential financial lifeline. This not only averted the club’s financial collapse but also caused the lifting of transfer bans, allowing Hyderabad FC to engage in deadline-day transfer activity. This sequence of events ensured that Hyderabad FC would be able to participate in their sixth Indian Super League season, transforming a narrative of uncertainty into one of renewed hope.

Fact sheet for Hyderabad FC

League position : 12

Matches played : 24

Won : 4

Drawn : 6

Lost : 14

GF : 22

GA : 47

Points : 18

Top performers

Allan Paulista

Allan Paulista’s signing was met with skepticism from some analysts, who considered him an average player However Allan Paulista has silenced his critics with his performance this season. With four goals and one assist, he emerged as Hyderabad FC’s leading scorer this season, demonstrating a level of performance that exceeded expectations.

Manoj Mohammed

Manoj Mohammed’s season is a compelling story of determination and recovery. After losing out on a full season due to an ACL injury, and missing a few matches in the initial part of this campaign, he had a remarkable comeback. This season became his redemption arc, as he transitioned from a player recovering from a serious injury to a vital contributor to Hyderabad FC’s attacking players despite being a defender. His determination and hard work paid off, resulting in two goals, a feat that places him alongside Joseph Sunny as the club’s highest Indian goal scorer.

Joseph Sunny

Joseph Sunny, a promising young talent, emerged as a key player for Hyderabad FC this season. Coach Shameel’s confidence in him was visible through him in the regular starting 11, and Joseph Sunny repaid that trust with two goals, placing him alongside Manoj Mohammed as the team’s highest Indian goal scorer.

Under performer of the season

Abdul Rabeeh

Despite his impressive physical attributes, including pace and high distance covered, Abdul Rabeeh has struggled to translate his work rate into contributions.

His ability to cover significant ground, often ended up placing him in the top distance runners in matches. Notably, he joins Alex Saji as the only defenders in the squad who have failed to register a goal this season, a fact that shows his lack of attacking output despite getting to play as the right winger. While his effort and dedication are commendable, the absence of goals, highlights a disconnect between his work rate and his overall efficiency . This season serves as a clear indication that Abdul Rabeeh needs to refine his game, so that he can have contributions that directly impact the team’s performance.

Top performances

Mohammeddan SC 0 – 4 Hyderabad FC

Kerala Blasters FC 1 – 2 Hyderabad FC

Hyderabad FC 3 – 2 Jamshedpur FC

Managers report card

Thangboi Singto

Thangboi Singto, The Indian Head Coach who was the first one to win an ISL game with an all Indian contingent and who’s known for his ability to nurture young players, faced considerable challenges in translating his playing philosophy into on-field success at Hyderabad FC. The team’s wingers struggled to perform effectively, contributing to a stark goal difference, with 20 goals conceded and only 7 scored. He departed the club as the ISL season entered its second half.

Shameel Chembakath

Coach Shameel Chembakath assumed the role of an Interim HeadCoach of Hyderabad FC after Coach Thangboi Singto’s exit and quickly implemented his tactical vision. The team responded positively, showing a better cohesion and understanding. Under Coach Shameel Chembakath’s guidance, Hyderabad FC also secured a long-awaited home win, ending a two-season drought.

Lessons to be learned

Hyderabad FC’s first post-season and foremost lesson is to work on improvements across several key areas to ensure better results. Firstly, the team’s defensive structure requires significant changes, especially on the right flank. This involves improving individual player performance as well as minimizing goals conceded. Secondly, a greater emphasis must be placed on set-piece strategies. Both attacking and defensive set-piece situations represent valuable opportunities, So if executed effectively, the set pieces can significantly impact match outcomes.

Finally, and the most important issue for the Nawabs this season, the team’s effectiveness in the final third needs to be drastically improved. This includes refining decision-making, enhancing passing accuracy, and sharpening finishing skills to maximize scoring opportunities. By addressing these critical areas, Hyderabad FC can improve in the upcoming Super Cup and their next season.

Fan view

Chirag Rao, a student who’s been an ardent fan of the club and also a core member of the official fan club of Hyderabad FC – The Deccan Legion shared his thoughts on the season.

“This season was undoubtedly a rollercoaster for us. With uncertainty surrounding participation and limited pre-season sessions, we started off slowly, securing just 1 point in the first four games. However, two significant victories over Mohammedan and Kerala Blasters, silencing the loud stands of Kochi, were a delight for Hyderabad fans. The following weeks were challenging, ultimately leading to our coach, Thangboi Singto, leaving the club. He guided us through the most difficult period, delivered historic victories, and laid the foundation for the team, but it seemed as though more than the tactics, the players let him down.”

“Our assistant coach, Shameel Chembakath, then took over the reins and did a commendable job, with 2 wins and 4 draws at home in 7 games, including a comeback victory against Jamshedpur FC. Shameel’s tactics brought a breath of fresh air to the team. The group has become more cohesive, building on solid foundations and understanding each other’s playing styles. From here the team is poised to grow stronger next season and aim to compete for silverware.”

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