Sporting Clube de Goa coach Ekendra Singh has called for defensive solidity from his side as they brace to take on the might of Shillong Lajong Football Club at the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Monday.

Sporting Clube have shipped in four goals in the last two matches with the last draw against Pune FC, after being two goals ahead, hurting them the most. Coach Ekendra understands the need to show some discipline at the back and he is confident that the turnaround will start from Monday’s crucial encounter between the two promoted teams.

“Our defence made mistakes against Pune FC and we had to drop two points. The match was in our pocket. There is no point in worrying about that draw. We now need to stay focused for our next clash against Lajong,” said the Sporting coach.

Despite the defence conceding two goals in each match they have played in the I-League, Ekendra said he was not contemplating wholesome changes at the back which, amongst others, have captain Samananda Singh and foreign defender Keita Boubacar.

“I am confident that the defence will rise to the occasion. There is no reason to press the panic button,” said the coach.

Shillong Lajong FC have not exactly set the I-League on fire but with four points from two matches, coach Pradyum Reddy may not have been left with much to complain either.

The North East’s sole representative huffed and puffed their way to a solitary goal victory over HAL in the previous match and Reddy is expecting another tough contest against Sporting.

“We all speak about the usual strong teams but nobody seems to be talking about teams like Prayag United and Sporting Clube, two teams who can catch many by surprise. They are a strong side,” said Reddy.

The coach said he was not happy with the performance of his side against HAL although the three points that they picked up would have come in handy.

“If we play like we did against HAL, we can forget about winning against Sporting Clube. We need to improve, most particularly at the back,” said the coach.

(AIFF Press Release)