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Mohammedan Sporting head coach Jose Hevia has called on his troops to show hunger going into tomorrow’s I-League clash against RoundGlass Punjab FC.
Hevia has expressed confidence in his side ahead of the 7pm kick-off at Kalyani Municipal Stadium.
“We will do all that is possible to win this game,” the gaffer said. “We have all that it takes to win any match. Of course, Punjab are a tough opponent, but they are not an exception. We must use all what’s in our control to take charge of this match. The players are getting the message of what we want to achieve.”
Hevia, though, remains cautious of the beleaguered RG Punjab FC, who are currently at 8th position after suffering consecutive defeats against Gokulam Kerala FC and Churchill Brothers, as he anticipates a resurgent performance from Curtis Fleming’s charges.
“They are not getting the results,” noted Hevia. “And that makes them dangerous customers. They are experiencing a hiccup but that doesn’t make them a bad team. Their performance is better than their results. It becomes very important not to depend on their past performances because they are going to come with a different game plan. We have high respect for the quality they have in their squad.”
The Spaniard also poured cold water on the early league positions of the various sides. “Current form doesn’t give much of an indication at this early stage of the league. All the games are difficult, because most teams are still working on getting their combinations and rhythm right.”
Looking ahead Hevia knows Punjab’s style of play and their opposing physicality can cause problems for his side, however he is hopeful the players will successfully adopt the tactical approach he wants to see implemented.
Going into the match, the Black Panthers will once again rely on Tirthankar Sarkar to win the midfield battle. The creative midfielder is the man expected to make the team tick. His ability to pass and deliver dangerous set pieces is what Punjab will guard against on the day.
Hevia will be hopeful his side’s intent and vigour will translate into goals and wins, following two frustrating draws against Churchill and TRAU FC, as Mohammedan Sporting chase the win that their performances have thoroughly deserved so far.
