|
|
I-League: Pune FC Coach Derrick Pereira Hits Out At Refereeing In The I-League
He also spoke of Pune's plans in the transfer window...
10-Nov-2009 10:21:18 PM
Pune FC coach Derrick Pereira isn't a happy man. His side has shown enough promise in the seven games played so far to suggest that they're good enough for the top flight, but a combination of a lack of cutting edge, poor refereeing, and downright bad luck has seen them draw six and lose one league game so far.
Speaking to Goal.com, Pereira was furious with the refereeing in Pune's last game against Lajong. He said, "It wasn't our best performance overall, but we came back strongly in the second half and Venky scored a good goal.
"We had good chances to double the lead, but our goal was disallowed for offside, which I really didn't understand. The penalty which was given was the kind that wasn't given last season, so it was disappointing."
Pereira, however, stressed that he wasn't making the refereeing an excuse for the draw. He added, "I'm not saying that it's an excuse for us, but refereeing has to improve in the country. Even other teams are suffering because of this."
While a draw against some sides are disappointing, they are a point earned when up against some of the bigger teams, a point Pereira made emphatically when asked about his side's current situation.
"We've done pretty well, especially against the big teams. We could have won some of those matches too, like against Churchill and Dempo.
"Getting a point against sides like them, as well as Sporting and East Bengal, are valuable points. We need to stick together, as we'll only get better in the second phase of the I-League."
Pune play their final match of the I-League's first phase against Mohun Bagan, a game Pereira's wards are highly charged up for. "The motivation to win that last game is very high. Good performances have to turn into good results at some stage, but we have to be at our best, as Bagan is a quality side", he said.
Also, Pereira did mention he might strengthen his squad during the break in the league. "We will assess the squad, and if any good player's available, we might go for him. It is likely we might go in for a striker", he concluded.
Atishay Agarwal
Speaking to Goal.com, Pereira was furious with the refereeing in Pune's last game against Lajong. He said, "It wasn't our best performance overall, but we came back strongly in the second half and Venky scored a good goal.
"We had good chances to double the lead, but our goal was disallowed for offside, which I really didn't understand. The penalty which was given was the kind that wasn't given last season, so it was disappointing."
Pereira, however, stressed that he wasn't making the refereeing an excuse for the draw. He added, "I'm not saying that it's an excuse for us, but refereeing has to improve in the country. Even other teams are suffering because of this."
While a draw against some sides are disappointing, they are a point earned when up against some of the bigger teams, a point Pereira made emphatically when asked about his side's current situation.
"We've done pretty well, especially against the big teams. We could have won some of those matches too, like against Churchill and Dempo.
"Getting a point against sides like them, as well as Sporting and East Bengal, are valuable points. We need to stick together, as we'll only get better in the second phase of the I-League."
Pune play their final match of the I-League's first phase against Mohun Bagan, a game Pereira's wards are highly charged up for. "The motivation to win that last game is very high. Good performances have to turn into good results at some stage, but we have to be at our best, as Bagan is a quality side", he said.
Also, Pereira did mention he might strengthen his squad during the break in the league. "We will assess the squad, and if any good player's available, we might go for him. It is likely we might go in for a striker", he concluded.
Atishay Agarwal
Inside Goal.Com
-
Cartoon: Rio Ferdinand may have the last laugh
Goal.com cartoonist Omar Momani gives us his unique take on the football news of the day...
-
Euro 1996 Legends: Matthias Sammer, Germany
The heir to Franz Beckenbaur's throne, Sammer's excellent displays as sweeper for Germany led them to their third European title...
-
Euro 2012 Trivia: Which team has the fewest combined caps among them?
Which is the least experienced team in Euro 2012? Time to test your knowledge, mate
-
Vote for your Goal.com World Player of the Week
Have your say on who you think should win Goal.com's weekly honour
-
Euro 2012 a timely respite for depressed Spain
With 24 per cent unemployment, wage cuts and little hope for improvement in the short term, the continental competition will at least take people's minds off their sad situation