Time for us to prove our mettle on the pitch: Hyderabad FC's Thangboi Singto
Hyderabad FC will play Chennaiyin FC in Matchweek 4 of the Indian Super League 2023-24 season.
Hyderabad FC will play Chennaiyin FC in Matchweek 4 of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 season. They have had an underwhelming start to the season with two losses from their first two games.
Hyderabad FC head coach Thangboi Singto appeared focused ahead of the game against the Marina Machans and optimistic about turning their fortunes around.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Thangboi said that he and his team have assessed what went wrong in the first two games and they are on course to fix their faults.
"The international break came at the right time for us. We have assessed what we did wrong in the first two matches and also harped in on what worked for us. I think against East Bengal, we did not have too many shots on goal or attacking approaches in general, but that improved significantly against Jamshedpur FC. As much as it is necessary to avoid mistakes, it is also important to focus on the positives."
He also said that he understands the fan's expectations and how important it is to win on the pitch.
"We know what is required from us. We are a team in transition, but for how long are we going to keep saying that? We know that the fans are disappointed - and it is understandable - so, it is time for us to prove our mettle on the pitch on Monday. The season effectively starts for us now. Nothing less than three points is good enough for us."
Speaking on gaolkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani's availability, Singto said that he is still recovering from the injury but there are positive updates about his recovery time from the medical team.
"Kattimani is recovering well. He will still be out for another two or three weeks. The medical team has given positive updates about him, and we are happy to have him back in training. He is working hard on his own with a specially designed program - it is non-contact, of course - and we expect to see him back soon."
Mexican center-back Oswaldo Alanis accompanied Thangboi Singto in the pre-match press conference. He praised the club's ideas and how well he has been received by the people at the club.
He appeared to be optimistic about the club's performances in future matches.
"Football is football everywhere, it is only the cultures that are different. I have had the good fortune of playing in a lot of different countries and continents and very little changes from one place to another. I am sure that we can achieve great things here at Hyderabad FC; it is a club that is focused on going for top honours."
He admitted that it may take a bit of time for the team to understand each other but he remained hopeful that the senior players in the team to change the club's current situation.
"It may take a bit of time for all of us to gel together and communicate at an equal wavelength as we are still a new team and there are a lot of youngsters, but this is where we as seniors have to step up. I think we have a lot of inherent leaders in the side and everyone is keyed up to change our standing in the table."