| Fadhil Yunus |
DPMM FC head coach Steve Kean has emphasised that there were already signs of a revival after the squad underwent an overhaul following a loss of form long before their march towards the semi-finals of the Singapore League Cup.
Tuesday’s 3-0 victory over Balestier Khalsa FC catapulted the ‘Gegar Gegar’ men to the top of Group ‘B’ and a draw against already-qualified Geylang International FC will see them finish as group winners.
Kean has indicated on numerous occasions this season in the league that his side deserved something out of the game only to end up on the wrong end of the result.
“Things were changing even before this. We were playing well in the S League, but were unlucky not to get results,” asserted Kean in a post-match interview with the S League.
The Brunei-based outfit has made some changes during the recent transfer window as the pair of Billy Mehmet and the injury-stricken Francois Marque made way for Daud Gazale and Vincent Salas respectively.
Kean has also brought in former MS ABDB man Haizul Rani Metussin into the squad and the defender has revelled in the opportunity with a string of decent performances.
Haizul brings much-needed experience into the squad albeit in the domestic scene but has found at home with a newly assembled defensive setup.
The head coach has also selected third-choice goalkeeper Mu’izzuddin Ismail into the starting line-up who earned the plaudits of Kean for his calmness in picking up crosses.
DPMM FC defender Haizul Rani Metussin controls the ball during a tie against Balestier Khalsa FC in the Singapore League Cup. – S LEAGUE
“We had a new goalkeeper, two new centre-backs, a new right back and a new midfield combination, so we needed some time and now we’re coming into form,” Kean continued.
The team has performed considerably well in the absence of Daud Gazale and Rafael Ramazotti with fringe players Adi Said and Shahrazen Said making a case for a regular start.
The forwards’ contributions in helping DPMM FC to a second successive victory have created a healthy dilemma for the former Blackburn Rovers manager.
“(Rafael) Ramazotti and Daud Gazale are coming back from injury, but they’re going to find it hard coming back into this team. The attackers are playing well and there’s no point changing the starting eleven,” the head coach added.
Kean was visibly pleased with his defence after picking up a clean sheet against the Tigers.
“I think we’re delighted with the goals that we get but more importantly was the defending tonight to get a clean sheet.
“I think what we’re showing now is probably without the ball, we were very hard to break down. We were getting chances as we always get chances with so many attacking players.
“But what I was pleased with tonight was our defensive performance which was superb,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, Kean’s opposite number Balestier Khalsa head coach Marko Kraljevic bemoaned his charges’ inability to find the net.
“In the second half, we had some shots and some free kicks but we can’t win the game if we can’t score. Now we have problems in both attack and defence which we have to try to fix.
“We’re now out, but I’m still going to put the best line-up to play against Tampines Rovers because we still have pride to play for,” concluded the head coach.
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