Phil Brown: I think it will be a good game against Kerala Blasters

The Hyderabad FC head coach talked briefly about his team's morale, the previous and upcoming game and more.

Hyderabad FC travel to face Kerala Blasters to begin the New Year in a battle of two struggling teams. A win could help Hyderabad to be level on points with the Blasters and help resurrect their hopes of a better end to the campaign. Ahead of the game on Sunday, head coach Phil Brown addressed the media in the pre-match press conference.

The Englishman began the proceedings by talking about his side’s previous game which ended 2-1 against Mumbai City. “Mumbai had probably two or three better chances than what we did, but we were at least still creating chances," he said.

"I thought there were a lot of positives from the game, but the negative is always the fact that the opposition scored more goals than us and we still haven’t got that clean-sheet that we are working towards. That was the only negative I was looking at after the game," Phil Brown added.

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"Bobo had nine shots on the Mumbai goal, probably two or three of them very good chances and one of them we put away,” he pointed out.

“We have to address the situation of clean-sheets first, that’s the most important part for me. Not necessarily how much possession we have, accuracy or chances created, but the scoreline at the end of the game. That scoreline is reflecting on your own defensive performance and I’m hoping that we go to Kerala and maybe win the game,” Phil Brown further went on to say.

On Kerala Blasters Game

Phil Brown shared his thoughts on his side's performances and their preparations ahead of the game against Kerala Blasters.  “There’s a growth in confidence in the team, in the fact that we go into the games knowing full well that we can create chances and score goals. The most important part for me is not conceding. When you have a strike force that’s capable of scoring goals then the clean-sheet mentality is important and I haven’t got that at this moment in time,” he quipped.

“The mentality of the team is on the front foot. In possession, we are becoming more creative, more expressive and more positive. Out of possession, we need to be in the faces of the opposition.”

“I think it will be a good game of football. I think it will be one where probably the better tactician will win the game, whether, that’s pressing from the front or dropping off. If we get the first goal then hopefully you’ll see a new confidence in the group,” Phil Brown added.

On Transfer Window

“We’re looking long and hard at the players available. I’ve had contact from nearly 20 players even back in England," the Englishman revealed when he was quizzed regarding possible transfer targets for his team.

The 60-year-old tactician made his motives for the remainder of the season clear by saying, “We want to finish the season in as high a position as we possibly can, get as many as points as we possibly can. It starts with the first game and nothing more."

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Head-To-Head

Hyderabad won the reverse fixture between the two teams earlier this season and that remains their only win so far.

Team News

Phil Brown has a full squad at his disposal as the side gear up for their first clash of the year.

Predicted Lineups

Kamaljit; Rai, Gurtej, Kilgallon, Poojary; Adil, Rohit, Gordillo; Bobo, Marcelinho, Barnes.

Broadcast

This fixture will be telecast live on  the Star Sports Network from 7:30 PM IST on Sunday. It can also be streamed live on Hotstar and Jio TV.