The 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) season saw Hyderabad FC slightly improve its standing compared to the previous season. Finishing in 12th position out of 13 teams, the team displayed some positives amidst the challenges it faced throughout the campaign.

After a squad overhaul, Hyderabad FC struggled to secure results and their woes deepened following head coach Thangboi Singto’s departure midway into the season. However, interim coach Shameel Chembakath stepped in and significantly improved the team’s performance, even if the results didn’t reflect their efforts.

Also Read: Mohammedan SC Season Review

Despite finishing in the bottom half of the table, Hyderabad FC showcased moments of brilliance during the season. The team's attacking prowess, spearheaded by a few key players, demonstrated flashes of creativity and teamwork that had previously been lacking. They competed on equal footing with formidable opponents. And although the results did not always favour them, the determination to fight for every point was evident, hinting at a squad gaining confidence amid adversity.

The foundation laid in the 2024-25 season, albeit underwhelming in terms of position, serves as a stepping stone. The overall experience gained and the lessons learned from another challenging season will be invaluable for the club.

Record

Pl: 24; W: 4; L: 14; D: 6; Pts: 18; GF: 22; GA: 47

Positives

Hyderabad FC have consistently demonstrated a remarkable fighting spirit and a clear dedication to the crucial task of developing young footballing talent. Building upon the successful inclusion of several under-23 players drawn directly from their own reserve team during the previous season, the club doubled down on this strategy. These promising young athletes, given the opportunity to showcase their abilities on the professional stage, consistently impressed observers with both their raw potential and a surprising level of maturity for their age. Their performances not only contributed to the team's efforts on the field but also served to powerfully reinforce the club's unwavering focus on sustained future growth and long-term success. The integration of these young players is a testament to Hyderabad FC's vision for building a strong foundation for years to come.

Negatives

Despite the arrival of numerous new players intended to strengthen the squad, Hyderabad FC found it exceedingly difficult to address their underlying problems. The defensive vulnerabilities remained a persistent concern throughout the season, as evidenced by their meagre tally of just three clean sheets. Alarmingly, they conceded a league-high total of 47 goals. This inability to prevent the opposition from scoring proved to be a major factor in their overall struggles. Offensively, the team also struggled to find the back of the net regularly. Their total of 22 goals scored throughout the league campaign was the second-lowest among all teams, placing them only above Mohammedan SC in terms of attacking output, and further emphasizing their offensive shortcomings.

Best player: Andrei Alba

Andrei Alba proved to be a reliable and constant figure within the Hyderabad FC midfield throughout the season. His importance to the team was demonstrated by his frequent inclusion in the starting lineup, highlighting the management's trust in his abilities.

Beyond his reliable performances in the midfield, he concluded the season as the team's second-highest scorer in the league, managing to find the back of the net on three occasions. One particular match where Alba truly shone and left a lasting impression was the game against Jamshedpur FC. In that crucial encounter, his goal played a vital role in securing a hard-fought 3-2 victory for Hyderabad FC. Furthermore, earlier in the season, he displayed his goal-scoring prowess in another important fixture, scoring not just one, but two goals in the 2-1 away victory against Kerala Blasters FC, further solidifying his reputation as a reliable box-to-box midfielder.

Best young player: Ramhlunchhunga

Ramhlunchhunga has emerged as one of the best young talents for his side, largely due to his significant contributions as a forward throughout the season. He was a consistent presence on the pitch, amassing a total of 23 appearances for the team. His attacking prowess was evident in several key matches, finding the back of the net during Hyderabad FC's impressive 3-1 victory against Mohammedan SC. Furthermore, he also demonstrated his goal-scoring ability by netting the only goal for his side, in their fixture against Punjab FC. When it comes to league goals for the club, he was the team's third-highest scorer, having accumulated a total of two goals. He has also proven to be a valuable asset in creating scoring opportunities for his teammates, registering a total of three assists this season. These contributions saw him finish as Hyderabad FC’s joint-highest goal contributor alongside Allan de Souza.

What do they need next season?

Hyderabad FC navigated a challenging season under two different coaches but still produced commendable performances, with their young players rising to the occasion. Maintaining squad continuity will be crucial in solidifying their playing identity, especially since all foreign signings, except Cy Goddard, made their debuts in the 2024-25 campaign. Hyderabad FC must also prioritize signing an experienced striker to enhance their goal-scoring potential and increase competition among their frontline options.