Dynamos eye redemption in new season
Delhi Dynamos had endured a forgettable season under the stewardship of Spanish coach Miguel Angel Portugal last season, finishing eighth out of 10 teams in the league phase of the Indian Super League (ISL) and well out of the play-off positions. They, however, made a strong finish winning six matches in a row.
This term, Delhi are being coached by Josep Gombau, a former Barcelona youth coach, while Portugal has taken over the reins of FC Pune City.
When Delhi begin their ISL season at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Wednesday, it will be Portugal’s side they will be up against in their first game of the campaign.
After their horror showing last season, new coach Gombau has brought in wholesale changes to the team’s roster of foreign players. Spanish midfielder Marcos Tebar, who had been influential in Pune’s run to the play-offs last season, has returned to Dynamos, having helped the club reach the knockouts in 2016.
Another key signing in midfield is Slovenian Rene Mihelic, who was part of Chennaiyin FC’s ISL-winning side last year. Midfielder Adria Carmona, goalkeeper Francisco Dorronsoro and defender Marti Crespi are among the four Spaniards brought to the club by Gombau ahead of the new season.
Former West Brom centre back Gianni Zuiverloon is a key addition to a defence that had stuttered at the start of last season.
The side’s attack will be led by Serbian forward Andrija Kaluderovic, who will hope to fill the void left by the departure of influential striker Kalu Uche. The core Indian players from last season have been retained by Dynamos.
Speaking to reporters on the eve of the game, Gombau stressed on the importance of a strong start to the season. “Everyone’s target is to win and mine is no different. We want to be challenging from the beginning,” he said.
“The first game is always difficult because the teams are nervous and there is a lot of expectation on them. But I am confident of my side.”For Pune City, who qualified for the play-offs for the first time last season, the aim this time will be to challenge for the main prize. The club has retained the services of forwards Marcelinho and Emiliano Alfaro and have roped in Brazilian winger Diego Carlos.Austrian midfielder Marko Stankovic and English defender Matt Mills have also joined the club alongside former NorthEast United centre back Martin Diaz.