Carlos hopes ‘leaders’ Malouda, Riise come good

The second edition of the Indian Super League (ISL) has seen many new foreign players enter the fray. Big names such as Delhi Dynamos’ Florent Malouda (35) and John Arne Risse (35) joined the league only a season after playing in major European leagues. However, despite their reputation, these stars have not been able to show much individual brilliance.

The famous Malouda crosses he played while at Chelsea have so far been missed. Risse’s famous left-footed long-range efforts that made him a terror at Liverpool, too have not found the back of the net.

With three Indian players away on international duty, problems are aplenty for the Delhi outfit that has yet to score a goal from open play. The duo, though, remain key to Dynamos’ setup on the field. Delhi player-manager Roberto Carlos, however, said that the duo could only improve. “They (Malouda and Risse) are the two leaders of my team. It is from them that younger players seek guidance. Obviously, I expect more from them,” said Carlos.

It is a scenario common with most franchises in the league, where big names have made little impact. FC Goa’s Lucio, Mumbai City FC’s Nicolas Anelka and FC Pune City’s Adrian Mutu still have not have found their footing, with none coming close to finding the back of the net.

With big names drawing a blank, most teams have seen inconsistent starts to the season. Mumbai have yet to score, while Goa are recovering from a 0-4 belting at the hands of Chennaiyin FC on Sunday. On Wednesday, Delhi will play at Pune, hoping not only to break the home side’s successful run at home, but also to try and score that elusive goal from open play.

WILL PLAY IF NEEDED Downplaying his fractured finger, Delhi Dynamos player-manager Roberto Carlos said he would enter the field if the team needs it. “The injury is under control. It is fine now,” said Carlos, who had a bandage on the ring finger of his right hand. “I took the field in the first game, only because I felt the team needed me. The last game, I felt the boys were playing and which was why I did not enter. On Wednesday, I will decide if I think the team needs me.”