Playing in his second season of the Hero Indian Super League, Hans Mulder has seen Delhi Dynamos FC go from strength to strength. The Lions, who finished fifth in the standings last year, have already sealed their place in the semis this season. The 28-year-old Mulder, who has been inspirational for the Dynamos in midfield, spoke to indiansuperleague.com ahead of the game against Kerala Blasters FC at New Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Thursday and discussed a variety of subjects, including the team’s aspirations after reaching the semis. Here are the excerpts.This is your second season for Delhi. What has been different this time, given you've secured a semi-final berth with two games in hand?Well, of course it’s different than last year. The quality in our group and the improvement in the Indian players is what has changed this year.There seems to be more happiness and positivity in the camp this time. How important is that and how much of a part does it play in results?For me personally, it's the most important thing. If you don't have joy in what you're doing, you get angry or upset. I'm really enjoying my time here and you can see everyone in the team is very happy, making a lot of jokes. But when we need to be serious, we are serious. I think that has been key this season.What differences do you see overall in the league from Season 1?For me, it's the Indian players. If you look at our squad, the Indian players playing last year and this year, the quality has been raised so much by the guys. They've learned from last year and they're trying those things out this year."Last year, I was going forward more under another coach but this year, I have been defending well."Hans MulderIs the goal now to finish on top of the table?For me, yes. It is the most important thing to finish first. As a sportsman, professional footballer, you always want to win. If you can reach the first place, it gives you a lot of confidence going into the semi-finals and maybe the final.What has been the biggest positive for you individually this season?This year, I have a better position compared to last year. Last year, I was going forward more under another coach but this year, I have been defending well. I have been involved in a lot of duels and tackles and stopping play. I am helping the defence.Which Indian player has stood out for you this time?For me, it’s Souvik Chakraborty. Really. In the first game, he was tense because it was his first time in the right-back position but if you see the last game he played, he was amazing. When he has the ball, he makes good choices. For me, he is the best Indian player in the squad and I think one of the best Indian players in the league.What kind of approach can we expect against Kerala?Just the same approach as every game. As a sportsman you want to win every game. It doesn't matter if they are out and we are in. You want to win every game.
