A journey that started six months ago is about come to its conclusion today. And its upto us to decide what kind of an ending it has. We have made the final of the second season of the ISL. When we set out six months ago, in the knowledge that the final would be held it Goa, we made it our objective to be there for it. In front of our fans, playing the final. Tonight, we will have attained that objective.
The semi finals were a great challenge for us. Delhi gave it their best shot and were formidable opponents. At no point would I say that the game was easy for us, particularly in the second leg where it may have seemed otherwise. I always believed that if our team played to our potential we would ultimately overcome the deficit. And the team responded by the attitude with which they played the game. Our desire to win is what got us through. We knew that with the fans behind us, we would have to attack the opposition and go for it and we did just that. And once, we got the first goal, our confidence grew and we never looked back. Throughout the season, the team’s belief has grown with each match and never more so than in the last match we played.
For the final, we will continue to stick to what has served us well. We have a squad that is rearing to go and is ready for the experience of the final. We have a lot of experience in the team, with players who are no strangers to gracing the big finals. We will rely on their experience and leadership on the pitch, but will also look for the younger players to showcase their talent and play to their potential.
In front of us, we will have Chennaiyin. They are there because they deserved to get here. Their semi final was also a tight affair. I had said in my previous column that you can never count out Kolkata and they gave it their best. The early goal must have certainly helped Atletico in boosting their confidence. But Chennaiyin held on to cross the line and make they final. And they have done so because they deserve to be there. We will have our work cut out for us and I expect this to be a very closely fought match. We will give no quarter and will expect none. We will play hard when we have the ball and expect them to do the same.
One of our great strengths tonight will be our 12th man. The people of Goa have backed us throughout the season, through thick and thin. And we ask them to do so one more time. Come out there and support your team. Live the dream with us and experience the final with us wherever you may be. And hopefully when the whistle blows for full time, we will have fulfilled your dream of becoming champions. (Gameplan)
