Delhi Dynamos seek to end losing streak

New Delhi: Alarming pollution levels forced Delhi Dynamos footballers to wear masks during training on Wednesday, the eve of their Indian Super League match against Jamshedpur FC.

But what they need to mask is their inability to keep clean sheets and after two consecutive defeats, coach Miguel Angel Portugal is under pressure to get three points against a team which has equally wooden in front of goal, drawing all their three matches goalless so far.

Delhi began with a 3-2 away win at Pune but have since lost to Bengaluru away (1-4) and at home to NorthEast United FC (0-2).

Portugal is plotting for goals as a cover for his team’s defensive infirmity.

“In the last match, we had three to four goal-scoring opportunities but then we made mistakes at the back. And that is a problem. For me, you need to score one at least one goal more than the opponent. I need that one goal (more) and that is my philosophy,” Portugal said.

Jamshedpur coach Steve Coppell praised his team’s defensive solidity but is aware they need to score to win matches.

Both Portugal and Coppell expressed concern about the poor air condition in the city though they stopped short of saying that the conditions are unplayable.

Gurpreet banned for 2 matches
Bengaluru FC goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu was handed a two-match suspension and a fine of Rs 3 lakh for his “violent conduct” in his side’s 3-4 away loss to FC Goa.

Gurpreet clashed with Manuel Bruno and was involved in an altercation with him, prompting the referee to show him the red card and awarding a penalty to Goa. He will sit out of Bengaluru’s two upcoming away games, against NorthEast United FC (on December 8) and FC Pune City (on December 14).