Kean lauds tactical change

Yee Chun Leong BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

 Friday, July 15, 2016
 A GOOD tactical change in the second half resulted in DPMM FC’s 4-0 thumping of Warriors FC in their Singapore League Cup Group A opener on Wednesday night. After a goalless opening half, DPMM FC coach Steve Kean moved an extra man to midfield to ensure more ball movement - allowing the three-time winners to open the floodgates at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore. “There was no passing rhythm in the first half and we had to wait till the 43rd minute to string together five consecutive passes,” said Kean at the post match conference. “In the second half, we changed tactically to put an extra man in midfield and get the ball wider. “That worked, with (Paulo) Sergio showing some good movement to score the first goal,” added the Scotsman. Knocked out of the Singapore Cup in the quarter-finals and 16 points adrift from Singapore League (S-League) leaders Albirex Niigata (S) FC with eight matches left, the former Blackburn Rovers manager reiterated his belief that the Singapore League Cup offers their only realistic chance of a trophy this season. “It’s been a tough season of transition for us, but the team is improving as the season progresses,” said Kean, who coached DPMM FC to their maiden S-League title last season. “To be the first club to win this competition four times will be a big boost for us,” he added. Sergio bagged the opener in the 62nd minute before Adi Said doubled the lead six minutes later. Rafael Ramazotti added a brace late on to complete the comfortable win for the defending S-League champions. Warriors were shorthanded for the match with French forward Jonathan Behe out with a knee injury. They also had the duo of Madhu Mohana and Hafiz Nor away for international duty as well as the pair of Shaiful Esah and Hafiz Osman out through suspension. Warriors caretaker coach Razif Onn felt that the changes made by DPMM FC, coupled with fatigue on their side, led to their downfall. “We managed to close down on Ramazotti and Sergio in the first half. As long as you can contain them, it’s quite safe,” he explained. “But in the second half, DPMM FC changed their style of play and played more passes on the ground. “That created a lot of confusion for my defence and that’s how we conceded the first goal. “Fatigue then set in to cause lapses in concentration so we ended up conceding more goals,” he added. DPMM FC currently top the group on goal difference from Tampines Rovers FC, who notched a 6-4 win over Hougang United FC in Wednesday night’s other match. The Brunei side will take on Hougang in the second game at the Hougang Stadium on Sunday before ending their group stage play with a meeting against Tampines at the Jalan Besar Stadium on July 21. The Brunei Times -

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