PANJIM: The Flaming Oranje will take on the I-League side DSK Shivajians, Pune in the opening fixture of the Durand football tournament, at Ambedkar Stadium, New Delhi, on Sunday.
Sporting Clube gaffer Mateus Costa was confident of his team, and said, “Most of them are in good shape; we had our first training session here and everything seems to be positive.”
“Everyone is trying to improve here, it’s a constant thing. We have good competition for every position and that makes things even more interesting on the pitch,” he added.
Playing in a short tournament with back to back matches, Costa feels that it’s the right time for the players to gain experience with shorter recovery time.
“Yes it’s a short tournament but we have to make the best of what we can get, and such a situation demands highest fitness level from our players. We have to plan for the matches and make sure not to lose anyone to injury.”
“Such short tournaments are always a challenge; we have to be on top of our game every single match. When we get an opportunity to kill the game we should do it instantly to avoid over exerting in the end.” He further added.
“They are a good side and have gone ahead and made some good signings. They are well drilled in both physical as well as technical aspect. But we ourselves have a fine side. I am sure it’s going to be a good match tomorrow,” said Costa.
“There is no second thoughts we need to win the first match and set the target right. It is also very important that my players give in their 100%,” he stressed.
