Scouting for new faces?

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Here is a situation similar to what one might call ‘Kayyala purathe thenga’, a popular Malayalam expression for a state of see-saw predisposition, which aptly describes Chirag United Kerala’s position in the I-League — a disturbingly uncertain scenario.

Defensive frailties compounded by cheap give-away of scoring chances and lack of sharpness in the midfield …all this forced the Chirag management to think about a serious reshuffle if the team is to remain in the I-League at the end of the season.

With five matches, including top the order clashes with Churchill Bros, Salgaocar and East Bengal remaining to be played, the Chirag has hinted at squad strengthening talks. Chirag have been linked to the recent talks involving East Bengal’s Malayali midfielder Sushanth Mathew. “Yes, it is true we are planning to bring Sushanth and a few other players also. But no details can be divulged at present,” said Rana Bandyopadhyay, vice-president of Chirag computers, owners of Chirag.

Chirag’s amateurish defense raised a few eyebrows during their 0-3 thrashing at the hands of Pune FC, at home. The lack of bench strength was another reasoning given by the coaching staff.

“I don’t have enough players (with quality) to substitute. Most of the players are injured and maybe the management will recruit after the season, but, for now, I have to live with the current squad,” said Chirag coach Biswajit Bhattacharya.

Sources close to the club say the management is unhappy that it had to spend for foreign players such as Michael Matricciani and Alex Carioke, who became liabilities after exhausting the transfer budget.

This club, even under its erstwhile name Viva Kerala, had indulged in the risky business of signing unheralded players and then whining about their lack of fitness and performance. Viva had brought down a talented Thailand player Wisoot Bunpeng in 2009 without realising he was injured and his stay was thus cut short.

“It is heard the club is now planning to sign players already established in the I-League rather than going for unknown players,” source said.