Hyderabad FC's Shameel Chembakath expresses his thoughts on facing FC Goa

Hyderabad FC play FC Goa in their next fixture on January 8.

Shameel Chembakath’s Hyderabad FC have not had a good start to the new year of the Indian Super League as they faced a defeat of 3-0 against Mohunbagan Super Giant.

Currently occupying the third place in the league table, FC Goa will be eager to maintain their strong position and consolidate their place in the top four. In contrast, Hyderabad FC, languishing in the lower half of the table, are desperate to climb out of their defeat slump and improve their position in the league table.

Hyderabad FC’s interim head coach Shameel Chembakath spoke to the media before the next fixture of the Yellow and Black against the Gaurs.

On areas they need to work on

Hyderabad FC had the stats favour them in their previous fixture but couldn’t get any goals. Talking about the areas they need to work on this is what the coach expressed.

“We have had some challenges, but we’ll be focusing on improving that. And FC Goa is a tough team. And for me, we’ll be sticking to our game plan. We just maintain our shape and try to get the right time to attack against them. And whatever chances we can create, we will try to convert it. That is one of the things,” said Shameel Chembakath.

“And of course, there are some key players in FC Goa whom we are assessing and we are reviewing. And we are showing the videos and we are just trying to stop them in the coming match. And only the message is very clear that we just want to get the points from the away fixture.”

On facing FC Goa

The Nawabs have struggled with defensive lapses this season, conceding crucial goals that have derailed their momentum. Facing a strong and experienced FC Goa side, with their potent attacking unit, a solid defensive performance will be crucial for Hyderabad FC to secure a positive result.

“FC Goa is a strong team. It doesn’t mean that we just defend. But I also think we need to be more strong in our defence. We don’t make any mistakes to punish them easily. And like I said, there might be some changes. Maybe one of the foreigners will add since Odei is suspended,” he added.

“So we will be focusing more on maybe upfront. For FC Goa one more player may be added or someone might come on the wing. So we will just stick with our shape. We would not want to go for a draw or something, Honestly, I would say I want to get all the three points from this fixture,” Shameel Chembakath concluded.

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