Santosh Kashyap, who has taken over the reins from Malky Thomson, is looking to steer Salgaocar to their first victory when they lock horns against debutant Aizawl FC at the Tilak Stadium here tomorrow.
Having survived by the skin of their teeth last year, Salgaocar got off to their worst start in the I-League this season, losing all their four matches. Their dismal performance forced coach Malky Thomson to resign. Although, the team management issued a statement, saying Malky resigned due to personal reasons.
The former Royal Wahingdoh coach Kashyap, who joined Salgaocar today, had a fantastic season last year with the Wahingdohs, whom he guided to a third place finish on debut. Kashyap’s arrival at Salgaocar will be welcomed by the team, especially the likes of Jackichand Singh, Seityasen Singh and Reagan Singh, all of who flourished under him at Royal Wahingdoh last year.
49-year-old Kashyap would be keen to guide Salgaocar, who are lying at the bottom of the table, to their first win in the tournament in front of the home crowd tomorrow.
Happy with the composition of the team, Kashyap said: “We have a good squad who can take on the best of teams in the I-League. My first aim tomorrow is to win the match and bring back the lost confidence in the team after four defeats in a row.”
Salgaocar’s success will largely depend on how their midfield functions. Martin Scott will lead the attack along with Jackichand and Seityasen on the flanks. The duo is expected to pose a lot of threat to the rival defenders and will provide the space for Duffy to score goals upfront.
Aizawl coach Manuel Retamero, on the other hand, is a bit worried about the weather conditions here.
“Back home it is very cold and the turf is artificial but here it is pretty hot and the turf is natural. Our team will find it a bit difficult to adjust tomorrow. Hope the boys adjust themselves quickly tomorrow as we are looking for our second win after beating DSK Shivajians at home.”
“Salgaocar is a good side who will come all out at us as they want to collect their first full points and we have to be on guard against them,” he added.
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