Kerala Blasters’ manager Steve Coppell has branded a few Delhi Dynamos players as “lightweight” in the aftermath of his team’s 1-0 win over Delhi in the first leg of their semifinal encounter at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Sunday. (Highlights)
While he did not name any players, one of the players at whom the Englishman’s ire seems to be directed at is the ISL’s leading goalscorer Marcelinho.
The Brazilian was involved in a contentious penalty shout in the dying minutes of the match when he went down in the box, an incident which Coppell seemed to be referring to at the press conference.
“There’s no point complaining about the refereeing. I wasn’t happy with some decisions. In football, sometimes, decisions go in your favour, other times they go against you. We just have to get on with it. But I think the referee got stronger as the game went on, particularly in the second half.
“There were a few decisions then which showed that. Let’s just say there are a few lightweight players who go down when you touch them. The referee made a few good decisions when they were crying out for penalties in the second half,” Coppell said at the post-match press conference.
The Kerala manager’s team created plenty of chances in the match, particularly in the second half. However, the manager was not disappointed by his players’ lacklustre display in front of goal.
{{/usCountry}}The Kerala manager’s team created plenty of chances in the match, particularly in the second half. However, the manager was not disappointed by his players’ lacklustre display in front of goal.
{{/usCountry}}“I’m pleased with the chances we created because it is cause for optimism. If we had scored another goal, it would have been great. But we’re pleased to have our noses in front going to Delhi,” he added.