TEAM HERALD
sports@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: Subhash Bhowmick is confident that Churchill Brothers will manage to save the drop from the Airtel I-League.
Placed at the bottom of the pool with just 15 points from 17 matches, Churchill Brothers are in a difficult situation, although the club’s technical director remains unusually calm.
“I know what the challenges are and the players are aware as well. We have our backs against the wall and we will come out of this situation for sure,” said technical director Subhash Bhowmick.
Churchill’s next assignment is a tough battle against Pune FC at the Tilak Maidan, Vasco, on Sunday. Pune FC also need a win to stay alive in fight for the title.
“All along Rangdajied United were considered the relegation battlers but they have now gone ahead. Apart from us, I believe United Sports Club and Mohammedan Sporting are the relegation contenders,” said Bhowmick.
Churchill lost their last I-League clash 0-3 against Bengaluru FC but has since then managed two wins on the trot, although that came in the AFC Cup, Asian football’s second tier club competition.
“We were dominating against Bengaluru FC in the first session but could get nothing out of the game. In the second half, we made silly mistakes and had to pay for it.
“The team has been doing well since then and I am confident that we will be able to continue our run against Pune FC,” said Bhowmick.
Pune FC are challenging for the title and coach Mike Snoei will demand nothing less than the title as they chase an elusive title. With 30 points from 18 matches, they are seven points adrift of league leaders Bengaluru FC but with a match in hand, they can cut that gap to four points.
Pune FC sit in third position at the moment with Salgaocar placed second, thanks to their 33 points from 19 matches.
Pune FC are now without a win in two matches, which included a goalless draw in the Maharashtra derby against Mumbai FC and then a 2-2 result against Shillong Lajong where Australian striker Mirjan Pavlovic scored in the final minute of play to rescue a point.
