Dubbed as the premier club of the North East, Shillong Lajong FC have found it hard to live up to their name in the last couple of I-League seasons. From finishing ninth in the 2014-15 season, to escaping possible relegation with a No 6 finish in the standings by dint of a last game win in 2015-16, Lajong have seen more than one close shave at the top tier of Indian football.
However, despite all the criticism surrounding their performance, the Reds do deserve their share of credit for their ability to bounce back from grim situations and ensure that the legacy is kept running. Perhaps another person, who equally deserves credit is coach Thangboi Singto, who has been on the firing line and has been made to take it all in his stride as his side struggled to hold on to solid ground.
As SLFC braces up for the Federation Cup where they face East Bengal, the same opponent they beat in the last tie of the I-League, on Sunday, coach Singto shares his thoughts on the season ended and much more in an exclusive chat with The Shillong Times. Below are the excerpts.
ST: How big a relief was it to end the I-League season on a positive note against East Bengal?
TS: The team we had this season was a blend of few senior guys and youngsters and it was always going to be a big challenge for us. East Bengal are a great side and ending on a high note was very good for everyone in the Club (SLFC), the owners, the management, the players, staff and of course the fans. It was good to deliver, even though we kept it for the last match. Having said that, in future we have to look to accomplish the job beforehand, instead of keeping it all till the very end.
ST: The away record has been found wanting this season with the team failing to register even a single win outside. What are the factors that contributed to such a statistics?
TS: A bit of inexperience in our ranks and missing out on key players like Japanese defender Yamagata and even captain Aiborlang Khongjee contributed to the dismal show. We were found wanting, more so in the defense where we missed out on the experience of key players. Though our youngsters had all the potential, travelling is never easy.
ST: What was the kind of pressure that Lajong had to handle from mid-season onwards considering that it carried the burden of expectations not just of fans from Shillong but the entire North East?
TS: It’s good to be in that position as you know you have a responsibility but then you need to deliver too. We had a young squad this season and as a coach I had full faith on the management’s decision that we can deliver. There’s no denying to the fact that there was pressure on us and there were times when I wondered if the boys could counter the big teams. But all along there was never a doubt in my mind that we would not see through. However, two back to back losses (against Sporting and Mumbai) towards the end put us in a worrying situation. But the way we came back and trained and approached the East Bengal tie was commendable. The boys were not bogged down by expectations. I also appreciate the support of the management, especially Mr Ming (Larsing Ming) who took time out to come down for the practice sessions and give valuable inputs. The fans too were very supportive and the positive criticisms only helped us along the way.
ST: As a coach you were in the firing line more often than not. How unpleasant was that and how do you handle that kind of pressure?
TS: As a professional I take that in my stride. I accept the fact that if you do not perform you got to go. I would always respect the management’s decision in this regard. That’s how football is played across the world and you can always see the example of Jose Mourinho. Irrespective of team composition and balance and all other factors, the onus is always on the coach to deliver.
ST: Has budget been an issue for the team this season? Why did Lajong not retain a star striker like Cornell Glen?
TS: That’s the call of the management. In any club you never want to sell your best players. However, the management has the final say in the financial part of things and I do respect their decision. I am sure the idea was to get the best players possible under the given circumstances. For me I would want to see the existing set of players give their best at all times.
ST: Do you think that in all this criticism against the team’s performance this season and the season before, the Reds’ ability to bounce back from hostile situations has been sidelined?
TS: The real fans who understand football also know the complexity of the game. Having said that they also go with emotions and that’s’ true for any place across the globe. While thanking our fans for backing us throughout we also hope they realize that there are various factors which affect the performance of a side. Besides having a young side, factors like injuries to key players (Aibor, Yamagata and even Fabio Pena out for few matches) played a vital role in the team’s chances. Having said that, we can’t deny the contribution of the young players in ensuring we continue to play in the I-League. Criticism is a part of football and we have to take it in our stride.
ST: With I-League over now does the team run the risk of relaxing into the first match of the Federation Cup against East Bengal on Sunday?
TS: I am a little bit alarmed…players should not think that the I-League is over and we have just another match coming up. East Bengal as we all know would be looking out to set the records straight. The new coach Morgan (Trevor Morgan) would be well aware of the statistics (we have beaten East Bengal thrice in the last match of the I-League now) and would certainly look to turn the tables. So we need to be on our toes.
ST: Anything you would like to add on the team spirit front?
TS: Despite all the adversities, the owners, staff (non-coaching and coaching) and the players have stuck together and continued to believe in each other. I feel it’s this belief that saw us through (he smiles).
(Interviewed by
Nabarun Goswami)
