No clear favourite in the title race...
By Rahul Bali
01-Feb-2010 7:18:00 AM
Churchill Brothers are only four points behind league leaders Dempo SC but considering the crammed schedule of the I-League champions with their continental affairs, the going will only get tougher for Carlos Pareira’s boys.
Ever since the Federation Cup defeat at the hands of Shillong Lajong, the club has continued their poor form in the New Year having failed to win any of their four I-League games, with three draws and a defeat. The Goan side could only manage to score four goals in those matches which would surely be of concern to the Brazilian coach, who refuses to acknowledge it.
“Sometimes, it happens in football. No one can play well all the time,” philosophizes Pareira.
Injuries have become another major cause of headache at the club with several players having being ruled out for the season.
“Paite had an operation and he, along with Bineesh, are out for the almost the full season. Durga Boro might be with us when the I-League resumes. Robert is complaining of an ankle injury. We have had a lot of injuries this year,” highlighting some of the dilemma he faces.
Churchill face Salgaocar test on Monday and they can’t afford to drop any more points which see them fall off the pace in the title defence.
“I saw Salgaocar beat Mohun Bagan the other day. They played well but we need points and it’s a very crucial match for us.”
At the start of the I-League, Pareira had mentioned the name of Pune FC as one of the title contenders and that left everyone dumbfounded! However, with Pune winning four games on a trot, it does seem that they are in it.
“As many as eight clubs have a chance to win the title this season. Pune FC, Mumbai FC are also in it. I believe to become a champion; you would need at least 50 points,” added the former East Bengal coach.