Players deserve credit: Coach

[1]

Three months into the job, Shillong Lajong FC coach Thangboi Singto seems to have had a positive impact on the team. In an interview, Singto speaks on the change in the style of play, the challenge of taking over the reins midway, Under-19 Portuguese attacker Edon Junior who came on loan from Blackburn Rovers, besides other aspects of his job. Excerpts:

What has been the secret of your recent success?
There is nothing hugely different that I have done. It depends on the quality of players that the club possess. I have my own philosophy and it’s the players who are responding and implementing it on the pitch. I insisted on building up from the back and playing possession football as most of our players are technically sound and short in height. At this juncture of the league, one needs to stay fit. The players have done it, not me.

There has been a deviation from the long-ball strategy. How difficult was implementing it?
Not very. My philosophy of building from the back and playing possession football ensures that everyone gets the ball and can move around. This gives each player the confidence as well. Previously, not all used to get the ball as they had to play it long immediately after receiving.
Decision-making stays the most important aspect. I am a firm believer in that.

Was it difficult to take charge midway through the season?
I am grateful to the management for showing tremendous faith in me. My association with the club is for long, since 2008-09. So I knew the structure and the talent available. I knew the areas to be worked upon and was no stranger. Otherwise, it is always very difficult to fit into from mid-season.

Do you believe that Lajong are out of relegation zone?
Not at all! For us every game is like a Cup final now. I am taking one match at a time. We need to keep working hard and there is no room for slip-ups.

What is the aim for this season?
We want to finish in the top half of the table, but realistically we need to ensure that we play next season. Avoiding the relegation stays the priority at the moment.