Sreenidi Deccan FC head coach Carlos Vaz Pinto and Hassan addressed the media ahead of the match. “It is always important to get the maximum points against any opponent and it would be great if we can do that against Delhi FC,” said Vaz Pinto. “It was difficult to play against them in our home stadium and it will be difficult again here tomorrow – also because of the pitch (at the Namdhari stadium). We are two teams who like to play good football but I think neither of us will be able to do that here due to the condition of the pitch.”
Delhi FC were good value in their 0-1 defeat at the Deccan Arena, dominating majority of the possession but they have lost their last two games. “Their value is greater as a team. We know they have good individual players but our focus is on them as a team and we must not allow them to play the kind of game that they want to,” said Vaz Pinto.
After a barren patch in the opening phase of the league, Nigerian Hassan has hit form at the right time, scoring four goals in his last five games. “Since I came here last season, I have been working hard to help this team. Right now, goals and assists are not as important as winning games and we have to treat every game like a final,” he said. “We have been in good form since the re-start and the previous game was our first defeat since. This happens sometimes but we must look only ahead.”
The match will kick off at 3:30pm IST on Sunday, March 10 and there will be no live telecast.