Thursday, May 14, 2015
DESPITE having the chance to top the Singapore League (S-League) if they beat Albirex Niigata FC (S) tonight, DPMM FC coach Steve Kean is entertaining no such thoughts.
DPMM FC enter the game at the Jurong East Stadium in Singapore third in the 10-team table with 19 points from eight games. Albirex are a point above DPMM FC in second while titleholders Warriors lead the league with 21 points – though both clubs have played 10 games.
On paper, DPMM FC have the advantage as they have won eight of their 11 meetings against Albirex - who won the remaining three fixtures.
When asked if the opportunity to lead the S-League has been a theme in his pre-match talks against the Japanese outfit, Kean’s answer was simple.
“No,” said the Scotsman minutes before boarding their flight to Singapore yesterday evening.
“The most important thing is that we respect our opponent as they’re a very good side.
“Albirex are focused on keeping possession and keeping hold of the ball, so during training we’ve worked a lot on our organisation and structure behind the ball,” he added.
The fact that Albirex have the meanest defence in the league – they have let in a miserly three goals in 10 games – mean DPMM FC strikers Rafael Ramazotti and Paulo Sergio will have their work cut out for them.
Both got on the scoresheet in the 2-0 win over Tampines Rovers FC on Sunday night – the Bruneian side’s first ever S-League win over the Stags – but Kean has told his players to expect a different animal when they face Albirex tonight.
“It’s going to be a different game. Tampines are very different and are more direct,” he said.
Tonight’s other game will see seventh placed Home United FC host Hougang United FC at the Yishun Stadium in Singapore.
Both games will kick off at 7.30pm.
The Brunei Times
DPMM FC enter the game at the Jurong East Stadium in Singapore third in the 10-team table with 19 points from eight games. Albirex are a point above DPMM FC in second while titleholders Warriors lead the league with 21 points – though both clubs have played 10 games.
On paper, DPMM FC have the advantage as they have won eight of their 11 meetings against Albirex - who won the remaining three fixtures.
When asked if the opportunity to lead the S-League has been a theme in his pre-match talks against the Japanese outfit, Kean’s answer was simple.
“No,” said the Scotsman minutes before boarding their flight to Singapore yesterday evening.
“The most important thing is that we respect our opponent as they’re a very good side.
“Albirex are focused on keeping possession and keeping hold of the ball, so during training we’ve worked a lot on our organisation and structure behind the ball,” he added.
The fact that Albirex have the meanest defence in the league – they have let in a miserly three goals in 10 games – mean DPMM FC strikers Rafael Ramazotti and Paulo Sergio will have their work cut out for them.
Both got on the scoresheet in the 2-0 win over Tampines Rovers FC on Sunday night – the Bruneian side’s first ever S-League win over the Stags – but Kean has told his players to expect a different animal when they face Albirex tonight.
“It’s going to be a different game. Tampines are very different and are more direct,” he said.
Tonight’s other game will see seventh placed Home United FC host Hougang United FC at the Yishun Stadium in Singapore.
Both games will kick off at 7.30pm.
The Brunei Times
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