ISL 2015: Against NorthEast, Delhi not leaving anything to chance
A Win will put them on top of the ISL table, but Delhi Dynamos are well aware of the potential pitfalls of dropping guard. Hence, it did not come as a surprise when Delhi Dynamos’ marquee player and manager Roberto Carlos sounded cautious and warned his players against complacency ahead of their match against NorthEast United FC at home on Tuesday.
“Sometimes, the table does not show the actual skills of a team. NorthEast United are a good side. So I know they will do well and it will be a closely fought match,” the Brazilian said. Dynamos, who are currently second with 12 points, have won four games so far in ISL’s second edition. Among others, the presence of foreign players Florent Mahlouda and John Arne Riise have bolstered the Dynamos’ line-up.
Riise, a UEFA Champions League winner and a former Liverpool full-back, is making his India debut this season. So far, Carlos has preferred to depute him in defence, but Riise, by his own admission, said he was ready to play in any position.
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The Norwegian has been one of the most consistent performers for Delhi Dynamos in this ISL. “Playing for the first time in a new country is always difficult. Having said that, I am getting confident with every game. In the five matches so far, we have managed to get solid starts,” the 35-year-old said.
Carlos did not put much emphasis on team composition, but insisted whoever is fielded needs to play well and push for an outright win. Dos Santos, who came off the bench to score the winner for the Dynamos in their previous away encounter against Kolkata looks certain to start, along with Mahlouda and Risse.
NorthEast United have won only two matches so far, both of them at home. Despite being placed near the bottom of the table, NorthEast know they can play the role of party-poopers at a venue which is guaranteed to give them overwhelming support. Like Carlos, NorthEast coach Cesar Farias too did not give much importance to the current group standings, saying the contest was between two evenly matched teams.
Delhi vs NorthEast, Live on Star Sports 2, 7pm.
