Defence, the bugbear for Mahindra United

MUMBAI: Throughout the history of the Indian football league, no winner has had a start as bad as Mahindra United this year.
Three losses and an away game with JCT loom for them. That only makes the Mumbai team's task that much difficult.
It could also be the turning point. That's what coach Derrick Pereira would be hoping when they play the Punjab side in Ludhiana on Saturday.But for a team that won the Durand Cup just a month ago, it was surprising that their performance dipped so alarmingly.
Against Churchill Brothers in the I-league opener, their midfield failed and the team conceded two goals. Against United SC, their defence was in tatters and against Mumbai FC, their strike force was found inadequate.
Chidi Edeh, who won the golden boot in the Durand Cup, has perhaps been the biggest factor, or has it been the defence. The answer lies in about 20 heads that have so far played for Mahindra and the one head that is trying to pull his hair out, coach Derrick Pereira. After their third loss, Pereira said he was happy with the performance, not with result.
"I wanted the players to perform their roles," he had said.
The problem lies somewhere in defence, getting the right men for the right position. Sushant Matthew, who came in as substitute in the United SC game, started as right back against Mumbai FC and did well. Justine Stephen, who had a great Durand Cup, started against Mumbai FC and has justified Pereira's faith. Pereira has probably got the right combination in defence. He just has to get a top notch performance from them.