By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Commenting on the recent controversy that erupted after the drawn match against Pune FC here, Shillong Lajong FC coach Pradhyum Reddy said that there was no rift in the team following the incident.
“Such things do happen in a team and its unwise to flare up such issues,” he said.
Reddy declined to comment on Ibor Khongjee’s recent statement in which the latter had accused the coach of acting under desperation.
“The team comes first. If I criticise you, prove me wrong on the field. We all know these players can play better and it was sad to see them disheartening the local fans,” the Lajong coach said. “Even someone of Wayne Rooney’s stature gets reprimanded for not giving his best. It’s never about targetting a player but to make him aware of his responsiblities towards the team,” he added.
On The Shillong Times report “War of words in Lajong camp” dated Feb 1, Reddy clarified, “For a war you need two parties and in this case I am not invloved in any war with anyone in particular.”
Reiterating that no one is bigger than the team, Reddy said that the club management is spending a lot of money in maintaining the side and asserted confidence that the boys would do their best to reciprocate.
The Lajong coach, meanwhile, praised Seikhohau Tuboi for his good show against HAL on Wednesday.
“Happy with the way Tuboi responded with a sound performance in today’s match,” he said.
It may be mentioned that during the press conference after the match against Pune FC in Shillong, Reddy had called for a improved show from players like Tuboi and Boithang Hoakip.
