Zambrotta says their target is to get to the semis; Pasha stated that players were unable to deliver

AN ELATED ZAMBROTTA speaking to the press post the match was satisfied with third victory on the trot and said,

“Our target always is to qualify for the semis as soon as possible, and we need to take one match at a time and not look too far ahead,” 

About the defending champions, Chennaiyin FC, Zambrotta continued saying,

“Chennaiyin is a good team and today was also difficult for us, so we don’t have to forget that and they also have good quality, and last year they won the ISL. So, it is important to realise that yes we have won, but it was just one match."

The Delhi head Coach was not willing to get far ahead from the victory and wanted his team to stay focused till the job was complete.

“We have had a good match and fortunately it was nice for us but we have to keep thinking about our target that is to reach the semis, and we have got to focus on getting better. But I am happy today.”

Chennaiyin FC Assistant Coach Pasha did not take the loss as a major setback to their semifinals hope and said,

“You can see the first goal we gave away was a very silly goal. At the start, we wanted to see that we finish the first half without conceding any goals. But unfortunately, we conceded some silly goals and that set the tone for the game. We had to go all out in the second half as there was no other option. Unfortunately, that didn't work,”

Coach Zambrotta looking at getting closer to securing the semi final berth shed light on his players performance saying,

“Yes, individually it was a great performance and we got the three points and I feel good. To compare this season and the last season… I think there is still time as last season we reached the semi-finals and this season we have good potential, so if we don’t use it then we will be frustrated, so I think we should focus on winning the title, and I think we can make a comparison only after the season is over."

The Italian Zambrotta continued,

"We showed how we can be very dangerous…We are building the confidence regarding how we play step-by-step, and we want more for us as we want to achieve more. Don’t forget we are playing Kolkata next. We have not forgotten how we lost against them and if you have got the experience you have got to use it, and we have got to stay humble. If things are going well it is because we are working well, so we must not relax because if you relax, the opponent has an opportunity to harm you.”

Having suffered the second and even bigger loss against the Dynamos, Pasha was asked if Delhi were getting stronger. To the question he said,

“I'm not surprised. We spoke in the tactical room and knew how they are going to play in the home match or how they play in the away match. I think Marco was almost right in the home match as to how they would play and today too he got it right. Unfortunately, the players were not able to deliver,”

Pasha, on the question if Chennaiyin got their tactics all wrong said,

“Sometimes tactics don't work, when individual errors happen. Tactically, we were right. Like in the first few minutes, we were on the dot, able to track players. Unfortunately, a silly mistake by our player and the ball landed to Malouda who is one of the best in the ISL. I think we were prepared and there were no shortcomings. It was not executed properly on the field and we will look to ensure it's done.”

Delhi marquee Malouda, who scored a brace in the game and assisted in another two goals, was also present at the post match conference.He shared his feeling on being in his second season with Delhi,

“I think it is a different experience and it is a nice experience for me on and off the field. It is a different culture and organisation, but I hope at the end of the season I am able to say it was a successful season in India with Delhi. I am learning a lot of new things.”

Asst. Coach Pasha was quizzed if the team took a hit on their morale after the defeat and to that he replied,

"These players are professional. We cannot tell them how to come back, they will do it themselves. They are big players, they know how to come back. It is our job to work on our practice sessions and work on mistakes. We will come back strongly in the next matches"