ISL: Here to win, says Dynamos' skipper Uche

Delhi Dynamos' new look side will be steered by experienced comers in Kale Uche and Miguel Angel Portugal in the new season of the Indian Super League.

Published : Nov 14, 2017 19:04 IST

Delhi Dynamos' Kalu Uche was part of Nigeria's 2010 World Cup squad.
Delhi Dynamos' Kalu Uche was part of Nigeria's 2010 World Cup squad.
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Delhi Dynamos' Kalu Uche was part of Nigeria's 2010 World Cup squad.

Nigerian international Kalu Uche returned to the Indian Super League with Delhi Dynamos after a stint with Pune City FC in 2015. The 34-year-old has been handed the captain's armband for the new-look Dynamos ahead of the new season.

Question: How do you rate your team this year?

Answer: This is a new Delhi team that is coming together. So far the team has been doing really good. We had a good pre-season of six weeks in Spain and Qatar and we are improving every day. We will be 100% when the season starts. I am confident of the team’s chances this season.

Dynamos Preview:  Going for broke

What goals have you set for the team?

The entire team and staff knows why we are here. We are here because we want to achieve our target, that is to reach the final and win the cup. We are not here just to play, but we are here to win the tournament. That is why we have been working so hard and I hope and believe that with the way things are going we will be able to achieve our target.

How would this ISL be different in terms of competition?

The ISL this time around will be a lot different from the previous seasons. It will be a longer season, it is going to be a different game altogether. This season will be better because of the time frame, as it will give the players the chance to recover since the games are spread out. Plus there is the AFC Cup qualification chance as well, so there are a lot of incentives in the ISL for the players and the staff this time.

'Inclined to offensive play'

The Delhi Dynamos coach, Miguel Angel Portugal, exudes confidence ahead of the Indian Super League Season Four. “My team has been working hard on new tactics and style of play ahead of the season, and the players have adapted well,” says the Spaniard.

What are your realistic expectations?

We have the same expectations as the other teams in the League — that is to win the tournament. My team has been working hard on new tactics and style of play ahead of the season, and the players have adapted well.

What is the strength of your team?

The strength of the team is its attack. We have a good bunch of forwards and attacking midfielders in the side who have been performing well in the pre-season as well. We have had some good games before the season and it has given me time to analyse the squad and find out our weaknesses and strengths ahead of the new season.

Who are the players to watch out for in your opinion?

The young players in the team are quite good and I have great trust in these players. The likes of Lallianzuala Chhangte, Vinit Rai, Nandha Kumar, Jayananda have impressed me the most so far, and I have big expectations from them this season. These players have the talent to represent India in the near future.

With text from Vijay Lokapally

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