Hyderabad FC assistant head coach Shameel Chembakath along with a youngster-studded squad, are hopeful of securing their much-needed first victory of their Indian Super League (ISL) season against a formidable and highly experienced Mohun Bagan Super Giants at the Vivekanand Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Saturday.

Hyderabad FC are facing a challenging season in the ISL, as they find themselves at the bottom of the table with only four points. Despite their best efforts, they have been unable to secure a win in any of their 13 games, suffering nine losses.

Assistant coach Shameel Chembakath of Hyderabad FC spoke about how the fans and the team deserve a victory during the press conference. He highlighted the importance of his players being consistent on the field and during the build-up leading to their match against MBSG.

"We are working hard at training, what we can offer for our fans is what they need (which I think they) deserve more. You know the last two matches how the young boys have performed well. I think we are just focusing on our coming matches now and hopefully, we can do much better than this," he said.

"If you see Mohun Bagan, their strength is they have experienced players. Apart from that, an away match in Kolkata is a little bit difficult for any away team, but I feel like after playing them in the Kalinga Super Cup, the strength we showed already against them, I feel like players will give their best. I think, after seeing their performance, the encouragement and the motivation we get, we can take for the upcoming matches," he added.

Coach Shameel heaped more praise on young players' performance and hoped they could continue to improve for the rest of the season.

"You can see the squad strength of us apart from the first XI, you can see most of the young players are there on the bench and whoever came as a sub they did their best, and that motivates us. We have nine matches left so those players who are getting chances can maintain consistency, it would be helpful for the coming nine matches," he added. 

Shameel shared his thoughts on whether his team will be facing a weakened MBSG side, given their recent performance, and when questioned if this would be a good opportunity to secure points, He stated,

"I wouldn't say that, because after seeing (them) against East Bengal FC, you can see their plan has changed. The new coach came. (They are playing) Entirely different with their formation and style of play now, but for those who are selected in the first XI, you can see how aggressively they are playing. So, it won't be an easy game, but I am sure whatever the young players can do, will do their best."

The 24-year-old attacking midfielder, Makan Winkle Chothe, who started in the last two games against FC Goa and Odisha FC has shown great promise with the chances he created. Chothe is optimistic about the playing time he has been receiving lately and is eager to take full advantage of the opportunities.

"You need to be ready when a situation comes that you need to play, you just need to be ready when the coach calls to do something. I just need to prove myself to be on the pitch and I need to give 100%," he said at the pre-match press conference.

Despite a tough season, Chothe of Hyderabad FC believes that with perseverance, the team will progress in the league.

"We just need to play as a team, like we played (in the) last (few) matches but we need to convert our goals and create more chances," he concluded.

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Hyderabad FC2023-2024 Makan Winkle Chothe