Portugal backs Albino to bounce back after horror show in defeat to NorthEast

The shot-stopper missed his kick on a routine clearance to gift the Highlanders a second goal.

Delhi Dynamos succumbed to their second successive loss in Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 against NorthEast United at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi on Saturday. While Delhi had their moments, they failed to capitalise on opportunities. Speaking to the media at the post-match press conference was Delhi head coach Miguel Portugal, who began by lauding the home fans while admitting to his team’s vulnerability.

“I think the atmosphere was really good,” he said. “The Delhi fans I think were of a high level, but the team, for me, wasn’t at a high level today. When we tried to play from the back, we found it very difficult. In Spain, this is not how we played from the back, but we have good players. For my team, it was not possible today to come back in the game. We needed to shoot and go for the goal.”

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He further added that while they attacked, the end product was all that mattered; something which the Highlanders made use of. “The opponents had fewer attempts than us,” he stated. “We had more attempts, but I think that the opponent goalkeeper was the best player of the match.”

Albino Gomes made a bad error to let Danilo Lopes score the Highlanders’ second, but before wrapping up, Delhi’s head coach was quick to come to his custodian’s defence. “We have a lot of confidence in Albino,” he said. “He is one of the best goalkeepers in India, but he must improve his performance. But I have confidence in him, and think he will do well.”