MARGAO
Dempo Sports Club head coach Samir Naik said he loves challenges and thrives under difficulties as he laid out his plan for the club's upcoming I-League Second Division campaign.
The Golden Eagles coach said the club intends to bring new players to bolster the team roster but in a squad brimming with talent, Naik is happy with the available options going into the tournament.
“Our team comprises a mix of local talent and talents from across the country. We have assembled a talented competitive squad who will aim to leave their mark and showcase themselves in a positive manner,” Naik said. "The objectives are clear. You know that Dempo are playing with an Indian squad and the main objective is to develop the players. We want to finish in the table as high as possible."
Naik understands the pressure that is on him to deal with a squad with no foreigners. But the coach has kept his faith in his players and believes they will deliver. "Obviously there will be extra pressure, but the boys, they know the responsibilities. I know my responsibility, you know, and we are not taking anything lightly. We are here to play and the boys, they are very confident. I’m very confident in the team. It is a mixture of young and senior players and that makes it a very challenging squad also. The boys, they will put their 100% and that will be the good thing about Dempo."
“We have come to compete in the I-League Second Division with the intention of earning promotion. Goa , despite its huge football fan base, doesn’t have more teams playing in the I-League. We want to represent Goa and earn promotion.”
Naik confirmed that goalkeeper Dylan D'Silva (Odisha FC), Mohammed Ali (FC Goa), Sareino Fernandes (Real Kashmir), Beneston Baretto (Gokulam Kerala FC), Gaurav Kankonkar (Kerala Blasters FC), Jaison Vaz and Ronaldo Olveira (Bengaluru FC) are part of the Dempo squad.
The Dempo coach said that the ambition of the club and the players was very clear. “We want to become champions of the I-League Second Division," Naik stated.
