With only six points from their first eight games in the Hero I-League, Derrick Pereira's DSK Shivajians will now meet formidable East Bengal at the Balewadi Sports Complex Stadium, here tomorrow.
Their opponents have proven themselves as realistic title contenders, sitting comfortably in the third position on the table. The pressure has been tremendously high on the Shivajians since the very first day of the season.
However, coach Pereira seems pretty confident going into the match and has been impressed by the boys' performances in the last couple of days.
"Our performances have improved since the last two games. Not only have we avoided defeat, we've played a better brand of football," said Pereira in the pre-match press conference today.
Goalkeeper Subrata Pal has fully recovered from a broken finger and will be in contention to start. Pereira also singled out Afghani player Haroon Amiri's dynamism and tactfulness this season.
He's been one of the key men for the Shivajians and his box-to-box presence has certainly benefited the squad.
"Amiri's performance has been tremendously good. He can play as a defender and a midfielder and is willing to fill up in any position I tell him," said Pereira.
Sandesh Jhingan has been Shivajians' latest signing of the season. His physicality and attentiveness will certainly bolster DSK's back-line and should make them look a more solid unit in the games to come.
Their opponents East Bengal are riding high. A good start to the season has also brought out a lot of positivity and togetherness among the squad.
Coach Biswajit Bhattacharya has been pleased with the unity of the squad and expects them to bounce back from Tuesday's shock 1-3 defeat to Salgaocar.
A week of travelling may take its toll, but the manager has played down all the fatigue issues and has ensured his side is ready to take on the Shivajians in their own den. Going into this game with not even a single injury concern, the Red and Gold brigade are primed to pick up all three points against an erratic Shivajians team.
Bhattacharya has praised their brand of football and also the quality of the players the squad possesses.
"The opponents (Shivajians) have a very good team. Derrick Pereira is a good tactician and can turn things around for his side.
