Dempo India’s best, target Asia next
The champagne that was popped at the Fatorda stadium after this Friday evening show lacked the fizz that the celebrations required. So did the game that fetched Dempo their third I-League title and fifth overall.
The champagne that was popped at the Fatorda stadium after this Friday evening show lacked the fizz that the celebrations required. So did the game that fetched Dempo their third I-League title and fifth overall. Dempo coach and general secretary Armando Colaco said they had won the title at the start of the season when they won seven games on the trot and accounted for the biggies such as Salgaocar and Mohun Bagan and a talented side like Pune FC.
Colaco believed that for Dempo to get to the next level, they had to do well in the AFC Cup, an Asian tournament, where they earned qualification after their title on Friday.
“It’s very important to do well there as it’s a tough tournament and the world notices your ability when you perform there. It’s what our target is next season,” he said. He also said that for any team to do well, the coach must be given his time to set the team up, just like he was given at Dempo. “It’s the truth. The same holds for the national team. If you want results, let the coach have his time,” he said.
Needing just a point in their penultimate game against East Bengal, the Goa giants though were hardly the side that has been recognised for the ‘Dempo style of football’. East Bengal were unlucky not to take full points and keep their title hopes alive.