Margao
Dempo Sports Club head coach Samir Naik emphasized the importance of their upcoming I-League match against Rajasthan United FC, scheduled for Sunday at the Vidyasagar Nagar Stadium. Naik stated that his team will not underestimate their opponents, highlighting their strong midfield and organized structure.
"Our match against Rajasthan United is crucial," said Naik. "They are a well-organized team, and I’ve been particularly impressed by their midfield. We’ll need to be at our best to succeed in this tournament."
Despite some injury concerns and the absence of certain players, Naik confirmed that the team’s preparations have been solid. "We’ve had some setbacks with injuries and a few players unavailable, but overall, we are ready for the challenge," he added.
Naik also revealed that Dempo is focusing on integrating young players into the squad, preparing them for future competitions. "In the I-League, we are testing young talent to see how they can contribute moving forward. The competition is intense, with teams like Churchill Brothers FC and Inter Kashi FC also performing well, making it difficult to predict outcomes," Naik explained.
The coach stressed the importance of starting strong and capitalizing on every opportunity. "Our players are experienced, and we know our opponents well. We aim to take maximum points from every match," Naik said.
Dempo has struggled recently, having lost two consecutive games and three of their last five, leaving them in the mid-table. Naik acknowledged the need to turn things around and emphasized the competitive nature of the I-League.
"We are looking at foreign options to strengthen the team, and we aim to blend our academy players with experienced Indian talents," he added.
Dempo will be without several key players for the match, including defender Daniel Murmu, midfielder Damian Perez, and Darryl Costa, all of whom are sidelined due to injury. Matija Babovic has also parted ways with the club due to injury. Despite these challenges, Naik remains optimistic about the potential of his squad.
Naik also expressed his excitement about the match, noting the importance of the game and the competitive level it promises. "This is a significant match for us, and we know every detail will matter. We need to stay focused and give our best to achieve the desired result."
Dempo, currently in ninth place with 10 points (three wins, one draw, and four losses), will look to improve their standing. Rajasthan United FC sits just ahead in seventh place with 11 points (three wins, two draws, and three losses).
