Dave Rodgers: proud of my boys; draw with Mohun Bagan feels like a defeat to me

SHIVAJIANS MISSED PLENTY OF GOOD CHANCES to score against an organised Mohun Bagan. DSK manned their players in proper positions to stop the Bagan players from 
playing their natural game. Post the game Rodgers took questions from the media.

Dave Rogders was asked if he saw the team perform much better than one would have expected, Rodgers was not amused by that analysis and said,

"No at all. I watch my boys play everyday. They are new team , a young team. I don't expect anything less from my players because I know what they give me on a daily basis. I told you earlier, after every game, we keep getting better in all areas of the pitch."

"From the first kick-off, we were the dominant team and I don't think anybody can question that. It feels like a defeat. To be honest, the boys have gone around, they have battled, played a really really good team. With a little bit of more luck we would have won the game. We scored a great goal from a set-piece and only the referee knows why he has dissallowed it." 

"Have a look at the boys the way they have come up against one of the most experienced sides of I-league football. Did my boys look out of place? Not a chance. I'm very proud of them. It's getting better day by day, week by week"

Nirmal Chhetri played a great game to contain Sony Norde on the left flank. That was a great tactical negation of Norde. How do you rate Chhetri's performance?

"That what makes a good coach being tactical. That's what I'm paid to do. We don't analyse a game by watching on tv, we do it over a couple of weeks or over months. They are a very experienced team, very good players, been together for a very long time. They have a fantastic Coach, who for me, is a gentleman. I hope he has a good season with Mohun Bagan. I only care of about my my team, I know where we're going to get too, I know when we'll get there. I'm proud of my team, my staff, the fans and and they can see the signs of going in the right direction"

You had a packed midfield and dominated the game. What was the idea?

"No we did't have a packed midfield, what we did is we played 5 in the back to combat the forwards. When you play the quality players like Jeje, Duffy, Yusa and Norde, you give them time and space they'll hit you. We nullified it. The back four was absolutely oustanding. I'm a little disspointed but at the same time very proud to have been able to keep a clean sheet against a team that has a chance at the title and they started the season well. We kept them at bay. For me there was only one team that was going to win the game."

Players must be very motivated after recent run of games.

"Why wouldn't they? We are unbeaten in the last three games. On another day, you have a bit of luck, you win a game. The team has a good blend of young as well experienced. I'm proud the way the team is gelling together on a daily basis. I see them every day at training" 

Any updates on Subrata Paul and Shane McFaul?

"Shane was very ill before the game on Saturday. He is having a bit of rest, a bit of treatment. In a couple of days he should be back with the squad. Subrata has a bit of injury. We don't risk players. Once the medical staff gives the clearance they will back in the squad."

The team was good in the counter attack. How difficult is it to keep doing this in the league?

"Not difficult at all. It is how you train your players and we train our players to perfection. We know when to rest players and when to up the tempo. Everything that we do at training emulates how we want to play"

The way you celebrated the goal that was disallowed seemed this game was a challenge.

"Every goal that we score, we celebrate the same way be it the match or in training. We are passionate people, want to change how Indian football is going. It's about passion and how you love the game."

DSK Shivajians travel to play Aizawl FC on February 1, 2017

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