Delhi Dynamos FC begin their Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 campaign against FC Pune City at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex Stadium in Pune on Wednesday. The responsibility of guarding Delhi’s goal this season will rest on the shoulders of the young and talented Albino Gomes, who will don Delhi colours for the first time after stints with Mumbai City FC in the last two seasons. Gomes spoke to indiansuperleague.com in an exclusive interview recently and shared his expectations and objectives for the season. Here are the excerpts.

You were with Mumbai City FC last year and now with Delhi. What are your expectations this season?

Yes, I played four matches for Mumbai City last year and it went in favour of me and we got good results in those matches. So, I hope to continue [my form] this season as well and I hope we will get better results in the full league this season.

Domestic keepers were at a premium in the pre-season draft. What are your thoughts on that?

Yes, of course, now every team is comfortable with Indian goalkeepers. They want to play the Indian goalkeepers so that they can play extra foreigners up front. I think a lot of that depends on the keepers and it’s a big opportunity to perform and shine in the league.

Delhi has failed to reach the final in the first three seasons. Is there any definite objective that the club and coach are aiming for in Hero ISL 2017-18?

The coach has [previously] stated in press conferences that he wants to win this league and he’s practising very hard with the boys. The boys are also very excited to begin the competition and hopefully, we’ll win this league.

How is the entire squad gelling and your thoughts on your coach, Miguel Angel Portugal?

The coach is very good and of course, the players are also very good. The Indian players are very good, the team is becoming one and we have gelled very well in pre-season. Last two months we were doing good work and hopefully, we will do great in the ISL.