Hyderabad FC interim head coach Shameel Chembakath showered praise on his players after they managed a 1-1 draw against Bengaluru FC at the GMC Balayogi Stadium, Hyderabad on Saturday in the ongoing Indian Super League.
Devendra Murgaokar scored in the 21st minute to put the home team in front. But the Blues bounced back to share the spoils as veteran Sunil Chhetri found the back of the net in the 78th minute.
Chembakath was pleased with the effort of his players and praised them for impressive show at home.
Chembakath said in the post-match press conference, “I think the first half was like dominating in terms of controlling the game. But we didn’t keep the ball well because they were pressuring. And in the second half, I think if we could have converted some of the chances which we got, we could have won this match.”
Chembakath admitted that Bengaluru FC made changes in the second half, which put pressure on Hyderabad FC.
He added, “Brilliant performance from my players, and we were missing some of the key players today. I think we will come back stronger in the coming match.”
The gaffer admitted that once the likes of Edmilson Correia and Cy Goddard would come back into the playing XI, they would create more chances.
“I know how Joseph [Sunny] will do, how Devendra Murgaokar will do. I know their quality.. Once Edmilson Correia and Cy Goddard come back, we will have more chances to create,” he remarked.
The Indian coach said it is imperative for his team to be consistent throughout the 90 minutes on the pitch.
“We know that Bengaluru FC is a good team, and football is always a pressure game. When you are leading 2-0, 3-0, we may concede also. So the only message was consistency both in attack and defence,” he explained.
He also commended his younger players for their resilience, saying, “That is more important. But you know young guys, how long they can just… I mean, whatever it is, the 90 minutes was really interesting the way we watched. And yeah, of course, like I always say, it is all a learning experience for them.”
Hyderabad FC will next take on Jamshedpur FC at the GMC Balayogi Stadium, Hyderabad on Thursday.
