Having just one win each in five outings defending champion ATK and Delhi Dynamos have almost a similar story to tell about their performances so far in the fourth season of Indian Super League. Tucked in the bottom half of the current standings with a paltry collection by way of points, both the sides have failed to express themselves in the attacking zone resulting in repeated reverses.
As the two sides meet at the Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday to renew their rivalry in the sixth round of action, both sides talked about stability and the way to improve ahead of the match.
“It is important that we stabilise after a tough start. We know we need to start winning on a regular basis if we are to anything in this championship. It was fantastic to get a win finally after how we performed in our first four games,” ATK’s English coach and the former Manchester United star Teddy Sheringham said as his team picked up the first success (against Mumbai City FC) after remaining winless for four games.
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“Mistakes and scoring goals changes games. I would not be taking this game easy because I know how well Delhi can play,” Sheringham said giving his opponent the due weightage. Sheringham is banking on his Irish striker Robbie Keane, who has spruced up the team’s attack since he returned from an injury lay-off.
After suffering four loses on the trot, including three at home, the bottom-placed Delhi Dynamos will be keen to get a point. The visitor will be missing its head coach Miguel Portugal and Venezuelan defender Gabriel Cichero due to suspension. It also has a problem at the goal with first choice goalkeeper Albino Gomes ruled out with an injury.
“There will be difficulty without him (Portugal) and the players. But we are going to do the same things together and operate as a technical team in imparting our coach’s philosophy,” said the Dynamos’ assistant coach Shakti Chauhan.
