After two losses, Dempo aim to get campaign back on track

Panaji: The return of Dempo SC to the I-League has seen them impress and disappoint in equal measure.
While the five-time former champions kickstarted their campaign on an impressive note, they have now lost three of their last four matches, and haven’t scored for 180 minutes. It would not be too much of a concern though for coach Samir Naik as they keep faith in their young players that have been groomed at the academy.
On Tuesday, Dempo will be put to the test again as they try to get back to winning ways when they take on Gokulam Kerala FC at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, 3.30pm.
“Defensively we have done well but need to do better when we are with the ball. We have worked on certain things,” Dempo head coach Samir Naik told TOI during the pre-match media interaction on Monday.
Dempo will field Syrian centre-back Shaher Shaheen as their lone foreign player. Argentinian Damian Perez suffered an early injury in their solitary goal defeat against a strong Inter Kashi side where they conceded in the dying minutes.
New signing Lukman Adefemi had a light training session on Monday, but it is unlikely that he will be included in the match day squad.
“Most of the players don’t have the experience playing in the I-League. We have more younger players. It is challenging when we compete against senior pros and well-established foreigners who have ISL experience. We have less foreigners, but our players have potential to fight till the end,” said Samir.
Dempo have conceded only six goals in seven games along with Real Kashmir FC. Gokulam and Namdhari have conceded one less. Dempo have managed to score five, two of which have come from Serbian forward Matija Babovic, who is now expected to move to Inter Kashi.
“Sometimes we lose, sometimes we win. As a team, we are always there for each other. We are working hard,” said Dempo defender Pruthvesh Pednekar, who joined the academy in 2016.
Dempo are seventh in the standings with 10 points. Gokulam has the same points but are a place above, thanks to their better goal difference.
Gokulam have the most draws in seven games (4) but the two-time champions are high on confidence after demolishing Delhi FC 5-0 in their last outing. Coach Antonio Rueda and his team have watched Dempo’s previous game closely and have had enough time for recovery.
“Dempo is a compact team. They are hard to play and have good ability. They play very fast counter attacking, but we are prepared to win. Our confidence is in our favour. We can play to win all matches. This is our attitude and philosophy, and I never lost confidence in the team,” said Gokulam’s Spanish coach.