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I-League: Churchill Tie Excites Dempo's Clifford Miranda
The winger has been in good form since he recovered from injury...
04-Nov-2009 9:21:19 PM
As expected Dempo have made a strong start to the season and sit top of the table but only on goal difference. Being a traditional powerhouse of Indian football its doesn’t surprise anyone that their squad seems strong and capable enough to be top of the table of thereabout come season end, but up next is what must be the biggest match of the campaign so far in the form of a derby against Churchill Brothers.
Goal.com caught up with star midfielder Clifford Miranda to enquire whether the match is getting the players excited. "Certainly. A match against Churchill is always tough and exciting at the same time. Both us and Churchill are title contenders so obviously this match is very important.
"They are a very strong side and therefore its challenging to play against them. Even though we don’t prepare in any special way for this game the effort and concentration has to be high. Both teams are unbeaten yet and so will be high on confidence. Am really looking forward to the match”
After being sidelined at the beginning of the season due to injury Clifford has just slotted back into first team action and feels his performances have been decent in the two matches played.
“I have just come back from an injury lay off and I feel have made a decent come back. The two matches I have participated in have gone well.”
On his team's form, Clifford reckons they have done well but thrown away a couple of points by drawing matches they should have won. With three draws from six matches, they could have put some daylight between themselves and second place Chirag United, had they converted the stalemates to wins.
“Our start has been satisfactory but I feel we gave away a couple of points by drawing matches we should have won. Performances haven’t reached the level we know we can reach but most important thing is the result. Till we keep getting the right result I am satisfied.”
The morale in the camp is high and players in general are a confident lot. Miranda reckons it is their desire and commitment which will help their cause a lot.
“Even with a lot of injuries for quite some time we managed to get decent results. We play every match to win and winning the league is the objective. We will continue to work hard and aim for the title.”
With the depth and talent at their disposal, not many will bet against Dempo not making the cut. The Churchill-Dempo derby could really set the tone for either of the teams and come end of season, both will be looking to sit at the top of the pile.
The Goa derby takes place on the 8th of November.
Venkatesha Sharma
Goal.com caught up with star midfielder Clifford Miranda to enquire whether the match is getting the players excited. "Certainly. A match against Churchill is always tough and exciting at the same time. Both us and Churchill are title contenders so obviously this match is very important.
"They are a very strong side and therefore its challenging to play against them. Even though we don’t prepare in any special way for this game the effort and concentration has to be high. Both teams are unbeaten yet and so will be high on confidence. Am really looking forward to the match”
After being sidelined at the beginning of the season due to injury Clifford has just slotted back into first team action and feels his performances have been decent in the two matches played.
“I have just come back from an injury lay off and I feel have made a decent come back. The two matches I have participated in have gone well.”
On his team's form, Clifford reckons they have done well but thrown away a couple of points by drawing matches they should have won. With three draws from six matches, they could have put some daylight between themselves and second place Chirag United, had they converted the stalemates to wins.
“Our start has been satisfactory but I feel we gave away a couple of points by drawing matches we should have won. Performances haven’t reached the level we know we can reach but most important thing is the result. Till we keep getting the right result I am satisfied.”
The morale in the camp is high and players in general are a confident lot. Miranda reckons it is their desire and commitment which will help their cause a lot.
“Even with a lot of injuries for quite some time we managed to get decent results. We play every match to win and winning the league is the objective. We will continue to work hard and aim for the title.”
With the depth and talent at their disposal, not many will bet against Dempo not making the cut. The Churchill-Dempo derby could really set the tone for either of the teams and come end of season, both will be looking to sit at the top of the pile.
The Goa derby takes place on the 8th of November.
Venkatesha Sharma
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