“Attack wins games but defence wins you titles, ” this Sir Alex Ferguson quote may be applied to any professional sport.
In the Indian Super League thus far, Delhi Dynamos has exemplified the art of defence and has given this under-rated art the recognition it deserves.
Without doubt, Dynamos have been the best defensive unit in the tournament, conceding just nine goals in 10 matches. With five wins, three draws and two losses, Dynamos would be eager to seal the play-off spot as early as possible.
When Chennaiyin FC, a team with a wonderful flair for attack, takes on the visitors at the Nehru Stadium on what is expected to be a rainy Tuesday, the former will have to be at its best.
Chennaiyin, of course, will be under tremendous pressure (13 points from 11 matches) as it has to win all its three remaining matches to stay afloat. Dynamos’ marquee player-manager Roberto Carlos knows it better than most.
Speaking at the pre-match media conference, the Real Madrid and former Brazilian World Cup star said: “We know Chennaiyin’s situation. If they play an attacking game, we will counter-attack. If they defend, we can position our players well.
“The pressure is on Chennai. We are playing at their home and we respect them.”
At the heart of Dynamos has been a competent four-man defence that has stopped the best of forwards in their tracks.
Playing with Ralte Adinga (left-back), John Arne Riise, Anas Edathodika / Anderson Sebastio Cardoso and Souvik Chakraborty (right-back) Dynamos have been successful in achieving their objectives.
Ghanaian striker Richard Gadze, who has been the star for Dynamos top-scoring with four goals, will be expected to give the push upfront with India’s Robin Singh.
It’s a do-or-die situation for Chennaiyi, though the comfortable victory over Kerala Blasters the other day has given the team a life-line.
However, the team will miss two foreign players — Manuele Blasi and Alessandro Potenza, both of whom picked up their fourth yellow card in the last match and will remain suspended for the next. Further Jayesh Rane’s ankle injury hasn’t healed.
Chennaiyin coach Marco Materrazi acknowledged that Dynamos were a “very, very good team. They have conceded very few goals. It won’t be easy.”
One of Chennaiyin’s major concerns has been conceding penalties — seven in total. Materazzi said he has told his players, “not to dive when the opponent is shooting. Be wary of penalties,” while adding “each and every game is a final for us. It’s tomorrow or never.”
