Pereira eyes Federation Cup spot in season-ending clash with Mumbai FC

THREATENED WITH A bottom-table finish in the I-League, DSK Shivajians are eager to secure a place in the upcoming Federation Cup when they play their last league match tomorrow at the Cooperage ground against Mumbai FC.

As a corporate franchise that came into the league through direct entry, the Shivajians are exempt from relegation for three years. But coach Derrick Pereira said it was important for the club not to be left out of the Federation Cup, where the top 8 clubs from I-League will participate,

"It is a must win match for us as we want to remain in the top eight in order to participate in the Federation Cup."

Though he was in favour of the newly introduced 8-team, home-away knockout format of the Federation Cup, Pereira insisted that the tournament should run through the season a la FA Cup rather than be held over a month,

"It's a home and away format and I think that is the way it should be but my only point is that it should be played over the year. It helps to prepare for your matches well, at the moment there is limited time."

Pereira said having 2 leagues in one country schewed up the domestic calendar and harmed players,

"It becomes very difficult for the teams, players, coaches as there are other leagues now into play. It is taxing to play as there is no enough rest. It was done earlier so I think it should be continued that way."

When asked if ISL was the root of all these problems, the Shivajians coach avoided a reply,

"Let's talk about tomorrow's match. Don't put me into trouble (laughs)."