Delhi, Kerala eye form reversal

NEW DELHI: 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, who promised to develop upcoming Indian talent.

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 out. However, with the league at the halfway mark, it’s clear that both sides have failed to achieve their targets.

Kerala currently sit eighth, whilst the Dynamos are at the bottom. 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 Albino Gomes suffered an 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. However, David James isn’t without problems of his own. Their squad doesn’t lack in quality but James will have to figure out how to best use individuals to play as a team.

KERALA BLASTERS CURRENTLY SIT EIGHTH, WHILE DELHI DYNAMOS ARE AT THE BOTTOM