| Fadhil Yunus |
DPMM FC announced their intent to be the first team to put a stain on newly crowned champions Albirex Niigata (S)’s unbeaten record when the pair clash in the Singapore Premier League at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas tonight.
Balestier Khalsa ended the White Swans perfect win record in a 1-1 draw after 17 consecutive victories which confirmed them as champions but the ‘Gegar Gegar’ men will attempt to take full points.
“We know they are a good team as they are champions. They want to go the whole season without defeat so I hope we can do it tomorrow to take a victory against them,” said DPMM FC Head Coach Rene Weber in an interview with the Bulletin after a training session at the Jerudong Mini Stadium yesterday.
Asked if he had studied their tactics and discover any flaws in the well-oiled Japanese side, the Brazilian identified specific aspects where they can exploit them.
“I talked to the players about this and they are physically strong. The main point is that the whole team is physically strong but technically they are not so strong.
“The main point is that they have more power to go and come back and make a strong read of the game. They are not a team that have much quality to put the ball into space. However, the transition to attack and to come back is very strong.
“So if you start pressing them very well in the middle because they have two very good central midfielders who organise the team as well as their striker (Shuhei Hoshino), you’re in with a chance. You must play tough with them,” he added.
“We don’t have to spend much energy because they (Albirex) have energy for 90 minutes. We must be organised and play in good positions as soon as they come to our midfield and as soon as we recover the ball we must use what we have best.”
The former Atletico Mineiro assistant manager said that they need to use their qualities especially Adi Said and Mojtaba Mollasaraei in the flanks and Shahrazen Said as well as making use of Hendra Azam’s ability in delivering good balls.
The head coach also reiterated the importance of getting a result which will stand them in good stead in their campaign in the Singapore Cup.
“It is a big challenge for us because we must go to the Singapore Cup in a good way. I hope to take this team in the final.”
DPMM FC full-back Najib Tarif is a major doubt as he is not fully fit to feature while Azwan Salleh remains in the absentee list through injury. DPMM FC midfielder Nurikhwan Othman is the preferred choice to deputise in his absence.