A disappointing 2017-18 Hero Indian Super League (ISL) season saw Delhi Dynamos FC finish eighth in the final standings. The Lions endured a poor start to the campaign and suffered a series of unfortunate events, with some of their key players being sidelined with injuries for lengthy spells.

However, Delhi left behind the initial demons to end their campaign with a flourish, remaining unbeaten in their last six matches. Coming into the 2018-19 season, they will be looking to pick up from where they left. With plenty of new faces in the side, things look positive for the Lions ahead of the new season.

TRANSFER INS AND OUTS

The return of Marcos Tebar to the club will be a major boost for the Dynamos’ aspirations this season. Alongside Rene Mihelic, who joined this summer from Chennaiyin FC, Tebar will be responsible for conducting proceedings from the centre of the pitch. Former club captain Kalu Uche, who was a pivotal figure last season, left the club earlier in the summer to join ATK.

Towards the end of the transfer window, experienced defender Gianni Zuiverloon and former Barcelona youth product Adria Carmona were brought in to bolster the squad. Serbian striker Andrija Kaluderovic was also roped in during the summer to solve Delhi’s woes in front of goal. However, how well these foreigners adapt themselves to the Indian setup is yet to be seen.

AT THE HELM

Dynamos decided to part ways with head coach Miguel Portugal earlier in the summer, with Spaniard Josep Gombau being hired as the new man in charge, in a bid to introduce a new footballing philosophy at the club.

The 42-year-old has had extensive coaching experience in Spain and Australia and possess the ability to turn this Delhi side into serial title contenders. Owing to a successful transfer window, Gombau has the perfect mix of youth and experience in his squad, which will suit his playing style.

Gombau’s men have also registered some encouraging results in their pre-season campaign with victories over Peerless SC and Taltala Dipti Sangha. After undergoing training in Doha, they will be back at the capital to intensify preparations for the new season.

STRENGTHS

The overarching theme of Delhi’s football this season will be their ability to keep hold of the ball and build attacks from the back. Given his Barcelona roots, Gombau will be reliant on the midfield duo of Tebar and Mihelic to get the team ticking with possession-based football.

Mihelic proved his worth during his stint with Chennaiyin FC. His passing range and threat from dead-ball situations will come in handy during the season. Tebar’s defensive qualities at the centre of the pitch will be a welcome addition for Delhi and he will serve as the primary link between defence and attack.

The presence of youngsters such as Lallianzuala Chhangte and Nandhakumar Sekar will also be vital to Delhi’s title hopes as the season progresses. The pair has emerged as two of the brightest young prospects in Indian football over the past year and it will be interesting to see how Gombau exploits their attacking qualities.

AREAS OF CONCERN

The departure of former captain Kalu Uche will be a huge blow to the squad ahead of the new season. The big Nigerian forward was Delhi’s top scorer last season with 13 goals and was instrumental in Delhi’s late resurgence under Miguel Portugal.

While new signing Kaluderovic does have the ability to replicate Uche’s goal-scoring prowess, the team need to identify a new figure to serve as the leader of the pack.

SQUAD

GOALKEEPERS: Albino Gomes, Francisco Ramos Dorronsoro Sanchez, Shayan Roy

DEFENDERS: Md. Sajid Dhot, Pradeep Mohanraj, Pritam Kotal Narayan Das, Marti Crespi Pascual, Rana Gharami, Amit Tudu, Jayananda Singh Moirangthem, Gianni Michel Eugune Zuiverloon

MIDFIELDERS: Bikramjit Singh, Lallinzuala Chhangte, Marcos Tebar Ramiro, Rene Mihelic, Adria Carmona, Shubham Sarangi, Vinit Rai, Siam Hanghal, Romeo Fernandes, Nandha Kumar Sekar

FORWARDS: Daniel Lalhlimpuia, Seiminmang Manchong, Andrija Kaluderovic

FINAL VERDICT

With Gombau at the helm, Delhi will look to impose a new and refreshing brand of football this time around. The foreign contingent of players coupled with the young blood in the squad look like an exciting proposition for the Delhi fans.

If they can maintain their consistency throughout the season and ensure minimal cracks in defence, we could lay witness to Delhi’s best campaign in the Hero ISL. They begin their 2018-19 campaign at home against Miguel Portugal’s FC Pune City on October 3, with their first away fixture being against Kerala Blasters FC on October 20.

To view their full list of fixtures, click here.

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2018-2019