Delhi, Kerala eye form reversal
NEWDELHI: Before the start of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18, both Delhi Dynamos and Kerala Blasters had very different visions going into the player draft and how they would assemble their squad.
Delhi’s aim was to build a side with a long-term vision and a unique style of play. Hence the appointment of former Real Madrid B coach Miguel Angel Portugal, someone who promised to develop and nurture upcoming Indian talent. This vision was reflected in their signings.
For the Blasters, however, the motto clearly was “go big or go home”. They appointed former Fulham manager Rene Meulensteen as head coach and splashed the cash.
However, with the league format of the ISL already at the halfway mark, it is clear that both sides have failed to achieve their targets.
Kerala sit eighth, whilst the Dynamos are rooted at the bottom of the table.
The Blasters have rung in the changes, signing Uganda international Kizito Keziron and bringing in former England goalkeeper David James to replace Meulensteen as coach.
However, the same can’t be said about Delhi. The only player they signed was goalkeeper Xabi Irureta and that too because their first-choice Albino Gomes suffered a long-term injury.
Any other form of defensive reinforcement might have been a welcome sign, but Portugal doesn’t believe the side’s defence is as much of an issue as their attacking.
“I think both they (Blasters) and us have the same problem; not enough goals scored,” said Delhi’s head coach.
Portugal has said many times in the past that he is a fan of playing attacking football. However, the fact that his side is so defensively fragile is an issue that needs to be sorted regardless of whether or not they make the play-offs this season.
However, David James isn’t without problems of his own. Their squad doesn’t lack in quality but Meulensteen could never quite figure out how to bring out the best in them as a unit.
He did, however, seem confident about his side’s chances of securing a top-four finish. “I think our squad is a tremendous one. My players and I are confident we can turn this around,” said James.