Short of goals they may be, but Carlos happy with team

GUWAHATI: To say that Delhi Dynamos have been lucky to qualify for the semifinals of the Indian Super League (ISL) would be harsh, but it won’t be far of the mark either.

While they have qualified with two games to spare, Delhi have so far done the bare minimum. Of their six wins so far, only one — 3-1 at home against Pune City — has been by a twogoal margin. They have scored just 13 goals this season, the joint lowest. FC Goa, who qualified on Sunday, have scored twice as many and Atletico de Kolkata have 24.

Delhi coach Roberto Carlos, however, believes in the dictum: ‘if you don’t concede, you always have a chance of winning’. Delhi have the best defensive record in the league, but the knockout phase will need goals.

“It’s going to depend on the opposition’s strategy. I’m still not worried about the number of goals because I’ve won La Liga with almost a 100 per cent of the games 1-0,” the former Real Madrid Galactico said.

Delhi’s problems have been a lack of midfield grit and pace up front. “I’m happy with my players’ performance. I may play if needed because I love to be on the pitch, but I haven’t been playing because I have a small injury and I’m 42 and it takes a little longer to recover,” said Carlos, who has mainly played midfield in the ISL.

Gustavo Dos Santos got the winner against NorthEast United FC on Saturday. But the forward, who netted five goals last year, has started only five times this season.

“Gustavo is amazing, very talented, fast and there’s no doubt about his skills and the flavour he brings. I have a great group... Gadze, Vinicius, Len and Francis are also doing a good job. I try to use them all,” the Brazilian added.