ISL 2017: This first match will be a test of the performance for my team, says Dynamos coach Miguel

DELHI DYNAMOS have got together a good side for the upcoming season of ISL and want to begin their season on a winning start as they face FC Pune City tonight.

Coach Miguel Portugal at the pre-match press conference stressed on the fact of beginning season with a win,

"It’s our first match, so it is important to start with a win. For me, we’ve had a long pre-season; two months in Spain, in Qatar and now in India. This first match is the test of performance for my team."

Talking further about the pre-season, he said,

"Spain was the first contact for all the players. I judged their personality and character there. They also got a chance to know about my philosophy and ideas. In Qatar, we improved our philosophy and in India, we stayed in the ground for competition. So, in two months, they improved a lot."

But he is also cautious about the opponents and will not take them lightly,

"They are a good team, I wanted to sign Marcelinho and Marcos Tebar for my team, but it was not possible, because Pune paid more money. And that proves Pune’s potential. They have a good team, not just Marcelinho and Tebar. I respect their side a lot. It’s very difficult to win in Pune, but we’ll try to win and play well. For me the win is very important, but for the first match, the performance of my team is also important."

Talking about the season as a whole, he said,

"I saw the match of the other teams this weekend, and I think the competition is very balanced, and all teams are on a similar level. Goa and Bengaluru won, but with difficulty. I think it’s a good competition, 10 teams are on a similar level and I think anyone can win."

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