Hyderabad FC head coach Thangboi Singto was proud of his players despite his team's defeat to Odisha FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Sunday.

The Kalinga Warriors took the upper hand from the very first minute as they created multiple attacks, causing problems to Hyderabad FC’s defence multiple times. Roy Krishna's brace and Mourtada Fall’s stunning header secured all three points for the hosts, but the lead could have been increased if Odisha FC managed to convert their chances. Hyderabad FC also got some chances to make their way back into the contest but couldn't convert.

Hyderabad FC continue to stay at the bottom of the table as they still search their first win of the season. Singto acknowledged that they anticipated a very tough match against the in-form Odisha FC and despite the unfavorable result, he believes his team tried their best.

“We knew that it’s going to be tough with the way Odisha FC have been performing,” he stated in the post-match press conference.

“But we had a fair number of chances in the first half and even in the second half. We knew that they are very dangerous in the set pieces. We tried our best, but it was not enough. But I'm happy with the way the guys really performed, not with the result, definitely not. But the way they fought as a team is commendable,” he continued.

Moya returned to the starting eleven after missing out in the previous game through an injury. Meanwhile, Felipe Amorim continues to remain sidelined. Singto revealed his forwards’ fitness levels are still not at best, which has affected their goal-scoring chances.

Speaking in context, he said: “I think at the start of the season we had our strikers who were not at the best fitness level.”

“I think that is still on, and we have to play sometimes without a proper number 9 or number 10 or double 9. We do create chances in every match. But I think we have not been able to put the ball on the target and score,” he shared.

“We don't have much choice other than to go back, train, and do more finishing practice or scoring practice. That's what we're going to do. We don't have any other choice,” he added.

Singto feels sorry for their supporters but assures them that they will stick together and give their all to bring a smile back to their faces.

“I think we are sorry as a team, but the thing is that it's not that we haven't been trying,” he said.

“Sometimes with football, your best is not enough because maybe the other team is better on the given day. But for the players, for the staff, for the coaches, and for the whole, I think we need to keep walking; we need to stick together and keep fighting. I think hopefully in the second leg we bring some smiles back. That should be our target,” he signed off.

 

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Odisha FCHyderabad FC2023-2024