Hyderabad FC head coach Thangboi Singto is looking forward to another tough challenge as his side prepare to take on Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, in Bengaluru, on Saturday.

Despite a challenging season, Hyderabad FC have shown glimpses of potential in recent matches. The young squad now aim to build momentum, play with pride, and salvage as many points as possible from the remaining fixtures.

They are yet to secure their first win in the league this season and sit at the bottom of the league table with four points.

Head coach Singto elaborated on the current state of his team and reflected on their narrow defeat against East Bengal FC in the previous match.

"I think the East Bengal FC match was the one we had a chance to win. We have been speaking about conceding (goals) early, but at the end of the day, we conceded (early again),” Singto stated in the pre-match press conference.

Despite facing challenges, Hyderabad FC now set their sight on their upcoming match against Bengaluru FC and will aim to spring a surprise on the home team.

The Blues are also struggling, sitting just three points above Hyderabad in the standings with only one win in their last five games.

“Going forward, I think of Bengaluru FC. I know, they’re not at their best at the moment, but Bengaluru FC is Bengaluru FC. For me, they are one of the most well-run professional clubs India has ever seen and this is going to be another tough game for us,” he stated.

Singto's side faces a new challenge as they are forced to make changes to the lineup once again. Hyderabad FC will be without two key players, Alex Saji and captain Joao Victor, who are suspended after receiving red cards in the previous match against East Bengal FC.

“But again I think for us, we have to tweak around in the defensive line because Alex (Saji) and Joao (Victor) both are not available (for this game). Last two days, all the coaches have been trying to think which is the most probable lineup and we have been trying to find the right solution at the moment,” Singto explained.

“If Joao (Victor) and Alex (Saji) were there, we would probably have fought with a better chance. The fact is that they are not there and we will have to go with another young 11 fighters to start with and few coming from the bench. We go and fight,” he added.

Despite failing to score in the last four matches, the young Hyderabad FC side have shown promising attacking movements.

Singto acknowledges the efforts of his players and is hopeful of getting goals in the coming matches.

"That's the hunger that I have been trying to create for the boys. Of course, off the pitch they are good but on the pitch, they are the most professional players we have at the moment,” he said.

“We are waiting for their goals, but I don't know when the win will come. It's getting tougher day by day because we are missing players but I think as a group they are growing,” Singto concluded.

I am getting better every match: Lalchhanhima Sailo

Young midfielder Lalchhanhima Sailo joined head coach Singto at the pre-match press conference. The 20-year-old is among the promising Indian players who made their ISL debuts this month. He discussed the valuable experience he's gained since his recent promotion to the first team.

"First of all I want to thank the coach, staff, and senior players. I think I am getting better every match and it also gives me more confidence inside the game and outside the game Joao (Victor) is there with me in midfield and it always gives me confidence in controlling everything. I think I am getting every match better,” he stated.

Sailo sheds light on the team's preparation ahead of the crucial clash where they would look to get their first win in the season.

"Yes, you know we are focusing on getting three points and we are trying to give it every match so next match we are going to try and take three points,” he said.

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