10-man Hyderabad holds on to a 2-2 draw against ATKMB

Originally published in The Times of India on February 23, 2021

Hyderabad FC players celebrate a goal against ATK Mohun Bagan at the Tilak Maidan Stadium, Goa

Hyderabad: The Nizams held on to draw 2-2 against league leaders ATK Mohun Bagan despite going down to 10 men at the Tilak Maidan Stadium on Monday.

Aridane Santana drew first blood for Hyderabad when he scored at the eighth minute. Manvir Singh equalized for the Mariners at the hour mark but substitute Roland Alberg put the Nizams ahead in the 75th minute. Pritam Kotal cancelled out Alberg’s goal when he capitalized on an error by the Hyderabad keeper and scored in extra time to ensure both sides shared a point each in the key clash.

Hyderabad suffered an early blow when defender Chinglensana Singh was sent off after he brought down David Williams, who was clear on goal, near the 18-yard box.

But Aridane responded for the Nizams just three minutes when he nudged the ball past ATKMB keeper Arindam Bhattacharya after a mix-up between Pritam and Tiri.

Shortly after, Roy Krishna had his first crack on goal when he headed the ball just wide of the goalpost from a corner. A perennial threat, the Fijian nearly equalized for ATKMB after he received the ball near the penalty box, but lost it to Joao Victor. 

Hyderabad held on despite multiple attempts by the Mariners to make their one-man advantage count. Goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani came out of his box to deny Williams, who was sprinting through on goal. Minutes later, Odei Onaindia stepped up when he got a foot to a ball from Krishna, preventing Williams from making it 1-1.

The Mariners stepped up their offensive efforts in the final minutes and grabbed an equalizer

Liston Colaco fumbled a chance to double Hyderabad’s lead just before half-time when he received a ball near the touch-line, went on a solo run and could only deliver a tame shot straight at Bhattacharya, despite Halicharan Narzary standing unmarked near the penalty box.

ATKMB introduced Jayesh Rane at the start of the second-half, seeking to shore up their attack. The strategic change paid off when Williams won the ball in the middle of the field and laid it on for Manvir, who whipped a quick strike past Kattimani from a narrow angle at the hour mark.

Substitute Alberg handed the Nizams the lead just before the water break when he pounced on a ball from Aridane and struck a stunner past Bhattacharya, who could only dive in vain.

The Mariners stepped up their offensive efforts in the final minutes in the search for an equalizer. Rane sent a cross inside the box and Pritam secured a point for ATKMB in injury time, depositing the ball inside the net after Kattimani spilled it.

The draw meant that ATK Mohun Bagan was left waiting for the League Winners Shield while Hyderabad remained at the fourth spot in the table.

10-man Hyderabad FC hold Mohun Bagan (Published in TOI Hyderabad)Download

Alexander sparks Odisha’s fightback against HFC

Originally published in The Times of India on January 20, 2021

Odisha’s Daniel Lalhlimpuia and Hyderabad’s Lluis Sastre vie for the ball in the ISL clash at Fatorda Stadium

Hyderabad: Odisha FC held Hyderabad FC to a 1-1 draw at the Fatorda Stadium on Tuesday.

It was a game of two halves as Hyderadabad dominated proceedings in the first-half, with Halicharan Narzary handing the Nizams the lead after he drove the ball home from a Liston Colaco cross. But Odisha bounced back and created a multitude of chances in the second-half. Captain Cole Alexander sparked the fight back when he scored the equalizer at the 51st minute, utilizing a ball by Diego Mauricio.

The teams were evenly matched during the early stages as both sides attacked well, but fell short with the finishing touch. Hyderabad’s Mohammed Yasir wasted a goalscoring chance after he could only deliver a weak wayward shot from Colaco’s short pass.

Shortly after, Odisha forward Diego Mauricio had his first crack on goal when he shot the ball directly at Hyderabad keeper Laxmikant Kattimani’s hands from a narrow angle.

Hyderabad’s continuous attacking paid off as Halicharan Narzary utilized a pinpoint cross from Colaco and deposited the ball beyond the reach of Odisha keeper Arshdeep Singh at the quarter-hour mark.

The Nizams almost doubled their lead minutes later as Ashish Rai delivered a backward cross to Aridane, who could only drive the ball straight at Arshdeep.

Hyderabad forward Halicharan Narzary celebrates his goal with teammates at Fatorda Stadium

Odisha responded in kind, and Daniel Lalhlimpuia’s shot on goal was saved comfortably by Kattimani. Hyderabad continued to be on the front foot, bypassing Odisha’s defence on multiple occasions and creating several goalscoring chances.

Narzary nearly got his brace when he fired a quick shot on goal from an Aridane cross near the 18-yard box, but the ball bounced off the goalpost.

Odisha started brightly in the second-half, winning a corner and utilizing their ball possession well, which led to the equalizer. Hyderabad were caught napping when Mauricio held off the Nizams’ defence and laid the ball on for captain Alexander, who delivered a bullet shot to the bottom left corner, leaving Kattimani no chance.

The Hyderabad players thought they had a penalty when the ball hit Gaurav Bora’s hand inside the Odisha box at the hour mark, but the appeal was waved away by the referee.

Jerry Mawihmingthanga missed a chance to hand the Kalinga Warriors the lead when he blasted the ball above the goalpost, wasting a perfect cross from Rakesh Pradhan. Hyderabad’s Akash Mishra made a vital clearance when he headed Mauricio’s shot from a narrow angle away from the goal-line shortly after.

The game descended to a scrappy affair as both teams tried their hardest to notch up the winning goal, with Odisha creating the more threatening chances. Mishra foiled another late attempt on goal by Odisha when he guided a shot by Jerry away from the goal-line. Despite the two side’s best attempts, the game ended in a 1-1 draw.

Alexander sparks Odisha’s fightback against HFC (Published in TOI Hyderabad)Download

FC Goa mount a comeback to defeat Hyderabad 2-1

Originally published in The Times of India on December 31, 2020

FC Goa goalkeeper Mohammad Nawaz collects the ball during the clash against Hyderabad FC

Hyderabad: A ruthless FC Goa scored twice from just two shots on target as they came back from a goal down to defeat Hyderabad FC 2-1 at the Tilak Maidan Stadium on Wednesday.

Despite being on the back foot for the majority of the match, Goa made their chances count as substitute Ishan Pandita and Igor Angulo delivered late strikes to cancel Hyderabad striker Aridane Santana’s header.

Goa had the first chance on goal when they won a free-kick in the early minutes. Brandon Fernandes delivered a promising ball into the box, and James Donachie missed an easy header as the referee blew the whistle for a foul.

Goa ratcheted up the pressure, keeping ball possession and throwing players on the attack. On the other hand, Hyderabad tried to create attacks by winning the ball higher up the field, with Aridane attacking Goa’s first line of defence.

The end-to-end game saw multiple chances being created, but the teams were lacking in the final-third as both were defensively well-organized.

Goa’s Jorge Mendoza threatened when he embarked on a dangerous solo run, and was stopped in his tracks by a sliding tackle from Chinglesana Singh. Moments later, Fernandes delivered a cross into the box, but Igor Angulo headed the ball over the goalpost.

The second-half saw a furious start as Hyderabad’s Akash Mishra launched on a solo run, cutting inside on his right before shooting a curling shot just wide of goal.

FC Goa substitute Ishan Pandita celebrates after scoring a late equalizer

Aridane broke the deadlock at the hour mark as Hyderabad exploited Goa’s weakness while dealing with set pieces. Right-back Rai delivered a precise cross towards the box from the right-flank and the Spaniard rose highest, fending off Donachie to deposit a powerful header past Goa keeper Mohammad Nawaz.

Ortiz had a chance to equalize for Goa when Fernandes delivered a cross towards him from the right-flank, but the No. 9 missed the ball by inches.

A lively Aridane put the ball inside the net with a back header shortly after, which was ruled out by the assistant referee for offside.

Goa substitute Ishan Pandita made instant impact as he delivered a header into the net thanks to Bedia’s curling free-kick three minutes before the end of regulation time.

Building upon the breakthrough, Angulo scored the winner in injury time as he took Ortiz’s through-ball, feinted past Odei Onaindia and deposited a shot inside the net, defeating Hyderabad keeper Kattimani.

Despite late attempts on goal by Fran Sandaza and Lluis Sastre, Hyderabad slumped to their third successive defeat and remained at the 8th position in the ISL table, while Goa climbed to the 3rd position.

Goa mount stunning comeback, down HFC (Published in TOI Hyderabad)Download

ISL leaders Mumbai City down Hyderabad 2-0

Originally published in The Times of India on December 21, 2020

Nikhil Poojary of Hyderabad vies for the ball with Hernan Santana of Mumbai City

Hyderabad: League leaders Mumbai City FC displayed their ruthlessness as they scored twice from three shots on target to defeat Hyderabad FC 2-0 at the Tilak Maidan stadium on Sunday.

Vignesh Dakshinamurthy scored a stunner past Hyderabad keeper Subrata Paul from a Bipin Singh assist in the first-half. Adam Le Fondre doubled Mumbai’s lead at the hour mark when he drove the ball home thanks to a Rowllin Borges pass.

Mumbai City dictated proceedings in the early minutes, keeping the possession and moving the ball well up the field. In reaction, Hyderabad forward Aridane Santana attempted to link up with Mohammed Yasir, though it did not lead to a goalscoring chance.

Bipin threatened for Mumbai, setting up a header for Borges, who was offside. Minutes later, Mumbai’s Raynier Fernandes was through on goal, and saw his charge stopped by Joao Victor.

Hyderabad struggled to set up attacks due to lack of the ball. Mumbai capitalized on this, as Ahmed Jahouh delivered an overhead 40-yard pass to Bipin. The Manipuri set up Vignesh, who delivered a curling shot inside the net, leaving keeper Subrata helpless.

Yasir wasted a chance to pull Hyderabad level moments later, when he directed an inch-perfect cross by Akash Mishra, just wide of goal.

Vignesh Dakshinamurthy of Mumbai City FC celebrates his goal against Hyderabad FC

The teams were more evenly matched at the start of the second-half, as they played the ball back-and-forth across the field. But Mumbai scored their second goal at the hour mark after Borges wrestled the ball near the box and delivered a short pass to Adam Le Fondre, who briskly deposited the ball inside the net.

Mourtada Fall nearly tripled Mumbai’s lead minutes later, heading a far post cross by Bipin wide of goal.

Substitute Liston Colaco tried to lead Hyderabad’s fightback, but was frequently crowded out by Mumbai’s defence. The Islanders resorted to keeping the ball and passing it around to protect their lead.

Despite multiple attempts by Hyderabad, Mumbai persevered to inflict upon Hyderabad therir fist loss of the season and go 3 points clear at the top of the league table as Hyderabad stand at the 6th position.

Leaders Mumbai down Hyderabad (Published in TOI Hyderabad)Download

39-second brace by Aridane gives Hyderabad 3-2 win over SCEB

Originally published in The Times of India on December 16, 2020

Aridane persevered to deliver the breakthrough for the Nizams

Hyderabad: Hyderabad FC came back from a goal down to defeat SC East Bengal 3-2 at the Tilak Maidan on Tuesday.

A Jaques Maghoma strike gave SC East Bengal a 1-0 lead at the end of first-half. A quick-fire brace by Aridane Santana and a tap-in by Halicharan Narzary saw the Nizams lead the game 3-1. Maghoma grabbed a consolation goal for the Red and Gold Brigade at the end.

The game got off to a physical start, with players from both sides being taken down. Hyderabad threatened first, as Halicharan Narzary delivered a sharp cutback to Aridane in front of goal, who saw the ball cleared away.

Hyderabad imposed a pressing game, seeking to outfox the East Bengal defence. Aridane pounced on a weak goal-kick from East Bengal keeper Debjit Majumder, but there was no one at the end of his cross. Minutes later, Odei Onaindia’s header was defended away, with Hitesh Sharma depositing the resulting loose ball over the post.

Aridane nearly broke the deadlock when Mohammad Yasir delivered an outswinging free-kick, but the resultant near-post shot was driven away by Majumder.

Jaques Maghoma scored the first goal by SC East Bengal in ISL when he delivered a floored shot inside the net from a Matti Steinmann through-ball just before the half-hour mark.

Nikhil Poojary wasted a chance to draw Hyderabad level minutes later when he delivered a weak header from inside the box and watched it fly wide of goal.

Despite Hyderabad dominating the possession, East Bengal did well to break their flow of play by winning the ball in the middle of the field.

Aridane almost equalized for Hyderabad before half-time when the team were awarded a penalty, but Majumder made an assured save by diving to his right, protecting Bengal’s lead.

Jacques Maghoma of SC East Bengal celebrates his goal

Hyderabad started the second-half brightly, with substitute Liston Colaco and Yasir creating attacks, though the final shot was lacking.

Aridane broke Hyderabad’s drought when he scored two goals within 39 seconds to put the Nizams ahead. For the first goal, Yasir delivered a free-kick towards goal, which the Spaniard gently headed inside the net. The second goal came just 15 seconds after the restart, when Yasir won the ball in the middle of the field and delivered it to Colaco, who threaded a through-ball for Aridane to drive home from close range.

Colaco increased Hyderabad’s lead as he made a stunning solo run from the midfield, leaving Bengal defenders in a tizzy and setting up a simple tap-in for Narzary.

Maghoma brought Bengal back in the match when he headed an Anthony Pilkington free-kick inside the net 10 minutes before the end of regular time.

The end-to-end game finished 3-2, and saw SC East Bengal remain at the bottom of the table. Hyderabad FC are at the 5th position, just behind Bengaluru FC on goal difference.

Hyderabad FC rally to down East Bengal (Published in TOI Hyderabad)Download

The Jose Mourinho revolution at Tottenham

Originally written on December 13, 2020

Jose Mourinho has forged a fruitful partnership between the talismanic duo of Harry Kane and Son Heung-Min (Image: premierleague.com)

Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham Hotspur currently sit atop the English Premier League (EPL) table. For a side that was languishing in the 14th position when Mourinho had taken over in November 2019, the team’s turnaround has been remarkable.

The team’s burgeoning rise has been marked by statement wins over Manchester City, arch-rivals Arsenal, and Manchester United. Emerging from a contentious spell at United, a revitalised Mourinho has rediscovered his passion for management and is set to take Spurs to greater heights.

Tottenham will take heart from the whispers of title talk that began after they outclassed Man City on November 21. Spurs last won the Football League First Division title in 1960-61.

Outwitting Pep Guardiola and defeating Arsenal in north London derby

Mourinho outclassed Pep in their 24th head-on-head meeting on November 21 (Image: Kirsty Wigglesworth by Pool/Getty Images)

Mourinho took on old foe Pep Guardiola on November 21. Though Pep has often come out on top, defeating the Portuguese 11 times, Manchester City were no match for the hungry Spurs.

Despite City maintaining majority of the possession (66%) and notching up 22 shots, Tottenham were disciplined defensively and ruthless while attacking, with Son Heung-Min and Giovani Lo Celso putting the ball inside the net from the side’s 2 shots on target.

The team were similarly merciless when they downed arch-rivals Arsenal in the north London derby on December 6.

The clinical efficiency imposed by a pragmatic Mourinho paid off as Arsenal, despite maintaining 70% possession, resorted to 44 aimless crosses and were unable to find the back of the net.

The duo of Son (13 goals, 6 assists in all competitions) and Harry Kane delighted 2,000 Yids, allowed at the home stadium for the first time since March, as they assisted each other to build an unassailable 2-0 lead in the first half.

Kane and Son have combined for 31 goals, second only after Chelsea’s Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba (36 goals) in the EPL.

Tactical style – Defensive organisation, possession & attacking

Starting line-up for Tottenham vs. Arsenal on December 6 (Source: transfermarkt.com)

Mourinho has employed the 4-2-3-1 formation at Spurs, which he had used to great effect at Real Madrid.

Focus is laid on strong defensive organization and maintaining clean sheets – with midfielders Pierre Emile-Hojbjerg and Moussa Sissoko often dropping back to help defend the half-spaces. This allows the full-backs, Serge Aurier and Sergio Reguilon, to push higher up the pitch.

Hojbjerg (88.9% successful passes in EPL) pulls the strings from midfield and functions as a ball carrier, enabling Giovani Lo Celso/ Tanguy Ndombele to create attacks.

New signing Pierre Emile-Hojbjerg has become a key player (Image: Alex Livesey)

Spurs let the opposition keep the ball but tighten up space around the 18-yard box by maintaining a deep defensive block.

Counter-attacking is utilised to create goalscoring chances. Kane drops back from the striker position to conduct attacking play as an anchor. By doing so, he draws the opposition defenders higher up the pitch, opening up space for other attackers like Son and Steven Bergwijn, who stay close to Kane during the attacking phase. The front three are positionally fluid – changing their positions throughout matches.

Premier League title chances & other competitions

Tottenham last won a trophy in 2008, when they beat Chelsea in the League Cup. Spurs are currently ahead of Liverpool in the EPL table on goal difference, and are set to meet the Reds on December 16.

Mourinho was declared the EPL Manager of the Month for November, having last won the award 13 years ago at Chelsea.

The Portuguese has always strived to project an underdog status at his previous clubs, and he has similarly tempered expectations for the scores of title hopefuls. Following the win over Arsenal, he said, “We can lose everywhere in the Premier League, we can go to any team and lose, any team can come here and beat us. We are top of the league for one more week, which is good fun.”

The manager rotated heavily in Europa League group stages, utilising the club’s crop of young players and playing second-string squads, yet managing to finish as group winners. The rotation has ensured Tottenham have a rested squad in the running for multiple trophies.

Captain Hugo Lloris has rediscovered his form this season, keeping 5 clean sheets in 11 EPL matches (Image: Action Images via Reuters)

The club’s former star, Gareth Bale, had arrived from Real Madrid on loan but was side-lined due to injury. He is sure to play a bigger role as Spurs aim for trophies.

The team remain in the hunt for the FA Cup (will take on eighth division Mariners in 3rd round) and the League Cup (will face off against Stoke City in quarter-finals).

Though it is early days yet to anoint them as title hopefuls, Mourinho’s Spurs are surely on the road of going all the way and breaking the club’s 12-year long trophy drought.

Hyderabad FC held to a 1-1 draw by Jamshedpur FC

Originally published in The Times of India on December 3, 2020

Hyderabad’s Liston Colaco of Hyderabad FC vies for the ball with Amarjit Singh of Jamshedpur FC

Hyderabad: Hyderabad FC was held to a 1-1 draw by Jamshedpur FC at Tilak Maidan Stadium despite being on top for the majority of the match.

Forward Aridane Santana scored an easy goal to give Hyderabad FC a 1-0 lead just past half-time. But a resilient Jamshedpur HC drew level five minutes before the end of regular time when defender Stephen Eze deposited a loose ball inside the goal.

Jamshedpur FC started on the front foot, setting up multiple spirited attacks. Jackichand Singh tried to set up Nerijus Valskis, who was dispossessed. Minutes later, Aitor Monroy delivered a free-kick inside the box, which was headed away by Hyderabad midfielder Joao Victor.

Hyderabad FC had their first shot of goal when they were awarded a free-kick in a threatening position, but Liston Colaco was only able to shoot over the crossbar. The Nizams stepped up their efforts, with Colaco and Mohammad Yasir trying to set up Aridane Santana, even as the final ball fell short on multiple occasions.

The game descended into a scrappy affair, with both sides struggling to retain the ball and build chances on goal. Jackichand threatened for the Men of Steel, after Laldinliana Renthlei set him up with a cutback, and Hyderabad keeper Kattimani made a fingertip save to keep the score 0-0.

The scrappy game was largely played in midfield

Colaco put in a good defensive shift, continuously tracking back to foil Jamshedpur attacks. Halicharan Narzary nearly broke the deadlock shortly before half-time following a counter-attack, after hitting the far post from a narrow angle.

Jamshedpur came out all guns blazing in the second-half, with coach Owen Coyle slotting in forward Aniket Jadhav. But it was Hyderabad who drew first blood after Aridane pounced upon an error by Jamshedpur keeper Pawan Kumar, who dropped the ball after a shot from Narzary, allowing the Spaniard to drive the ball home from close range.

Ashish Rai had the chance to double Hyderabad’s lead minutes later, as he wasted a final ball from Colaco after being played outside the box. Valskis nearly equalized for Jamshedpur following a ball over the top from Laldinliana.

Hyderabad focused on defending their lead, with Jamshedpur unable to penetrate their strong defensive organization. They came close at the 70th minute after a free kick from Isaac Vanmalsawma hit Aridane and rolled inside the box, but the goal was ruled out as Jamshedpur defender Peter Hartley was adjudged to be offside.

Hyderabad suffered a blow when Aridane was forced off the field ten minutes before the end of regular time due to a hamstring niggle.

Stephen Eze drew Jamshedpur level with Hyderabad as he blasted the ball past Kattimani in the 85th minute, utilizing an empty ball inside the box.

The equalizer meant Hyderabad FC climbed to the 4th position in the ISL table, even as Jamshedpur remained winless this season.

Hyderabad FC held to a 1-1 draw by Jamshedpur FC (Published in TOI Hyderabad)Download

The sophomore season: Second time the charm for Hyderabad FC?

Originally published in The Times of India on November 22 , 2020

Head coach Manuel Marquez leads a team training session


Hyderabad: Hyderabad FC is set to kick off their second ISL season on Monday, taking on Odisha FC at GMC Stadium, Goa.

Having completely revamped their squad and appointed a new coach, the team will aim at a better performance this season as compared to the 2019-20 season, in which they finished at the bottom of the league table, recording just two wins.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the entire 2020-21 ISL season will be played in a bio-bubble in Goa. Tilak Maidan will serve as the home stadium for Hyderabad FC.

Discussing the shortened pre-season, Manolo Marquez, head coach, said, “It’s very difficult to build a new team with a lot of new players and a short pre-season. There are players from all parts of the world and across India. They have never played together. We had only 4 weeks to train.”

“We believe in the work of players, staff and others in the bio-bubble. In football, nothing is sure but we are optimistic for this season. For us, the most important thing is to show up for Monday’s game,” Marquez added.

Marquez: Teams with more continuity have the advantage

Hyderabad FC winger Halicharan Narzary said, “Despite the short pre-season, we are using all the time we can for practice. It’s difficult in the bio-bubble. In the early days, we couldn’t practice together. We can’t meet anyone except during practice and meals but the preparations are going well.”

Dimple Bhagat and Fran Sandaza are set to miss the first match due to injury. Marquez remarked, “I think it’s the normal situation now. Injuries can be a big problem for all teams this season.”

Talking about the young players at the club, Marquez said, “For me, if the young players can continue, Hyderabad FC can be a good team in the future. We have many quality young players. They will play more games than people think. They will play an important role this season.”

As part of their preparation, the team played against Kerala Blasters, Bengaluru FC, FC Goa and NorthEast United in pre-season games.

Former Hyderabad FC player Marcelinho will lead the attack for Hyderabad FC’s first opponent, Odisha FC, who have appointed the 67-year-old Stuart Baxter as their new head coach.

The sophomore season: Second time the charm for Hyderabad FC? (Published in TOI Hyderabad)Download

Flurry of changes as Hyderabad FC prepare for upcoming season

Originally published in The Times of India on September 16, 2020

Hyderabad: As the delayed 2020-21 ISL season looms on the horizon, Hyderabad FC has undergone many changes. The club management has sought to rebuild the club, unveiling a new logo on August 11. The club’s new logo retains the primary elements of the original crest, showcasing a merger between the rich legacy of Hyderabad and its contribution to Indian football.

The club launched a two-year partnership with German club Borussia Dortmund on August 20, with an option to extend until 2025. Dortmund will focus on building and supporting Hyderabad FC’s academy structure in terms of scouting and nurturing talent as well as guiding its coaches on coaching education.

Varun Tripuraneni, co-owner of Hyderabad FC said, “It’s extremely crucial to build a robust model that benefits us on-and-off the field. We have plans of setting up a residential school for young footballers.” Carsten Cramer, MD of Borussia Dortmund said, “For us, it was important that the DNA of both clubs be similar.”

In a blow for Hyderabad FC in its sophomore season, head coach Albert Roca decided to leave the club on August 29 after a mutual termination of his two-year contract.

The 57-year-old, who had taken charge as the club’s head coach in June, submitted a request to be relieved of his duties following FC Barcelona approaching him to join as a coach for the first team. Roca said, “For me, it’s been a tough decision to make. I will be assisting the management during the transition phase.”

On August 31, the club appointed Manuel Marquez as the new head coach. Marquez signed a one-year deal. “The club has already been preparing and working on a lot of things over the last few months so that makes it a comparatively smoother process for me to settle in,” Marquez said. He last coached Thai club Ratchaburi Mitr Phol FC in the 2018-19 season. Previously, he had served as head coach of La Liga club UD Las Palmas in 2017.

The club has signed nine players whereas 13 players have left so far in this transfer window. A new captain is set to be named after previous captain Kamaljit Singh departed for Odisha FC. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the 2019-20 ISL season will be played entirely in Goa. Tilak Maidan, Vasco da Gama will serve as the home stadium for Hyderabad FC. The next edition of the league will kick off on November 21.

Flurry of changes as HFC prepare for new season (Published in TOI Hyderabad)Download

Midfielder Marko Stankovic retires from football

Originally published in The Times of India on June 26, 2020

The Austrian made 38 ISL appearances across three seasons from 2018 to 2020, with FC Pune City and Hyderabad FC

Hyderabad: Hyderabad FC midfielder Marko Stankovic has announced retirement from professional football, drawing curtains on a 17-year career.

Announcing his retirement on Instagram, the 34-year-old posted, “Hello guys. I’m officially retiring from professional football. Hard decision, but well prepared. Thank you to everyone who supported me, first of all, thank you to my family, my friend, teammates, my supporters. Keep supporting me, I’ll always stay in football.”

The Austrian made 38 ISL appearances across three seasons from 2018 to 2020, with FC Pune City and Hyderabad FC. He registered four goals and five assists over the three seasons, with a passing accuracy of 72%.

As one of Hyderabad FC’s key players in the 2019-20 ISL season, he notched 2 goals and 1 assist across 15 matches. Playing as a central midfielder, Stankovic often controlled the midfield, delivering 833 passes, 29 shots and 5 crosses. He contributed to the defence as well, making 39 tackles, 34 clearances and 20 interceptions.

In 2018, Stankovic joined ISL club FC Pune City on a free transfer

Starting out at the youth team of Austrian club DSV Leoben, Stankovic joined the senior team and made 96 appearances across 4 years from 2003 to 2007. The midfielder joined SK Sturm Graz on a free transfer in 2007.

After a brief stint with Italian club Triestina, he joined Austria Wien on a free transfer in 2010. He scored 23 goals and provided 15 assists in 126 games from 2010 to 2014. He helped the team win the 2012-13 Austrian Football Bundesliga.

In 2014, he returned to Sturm Graz and played 53 games across 3 years. In 2018, Stankovic joined ISL club FC Pune City on a free transfer, and worked with former Hyderabad FC manager Phil Brown.

The midfielder won a national team cap for one match in 2008.

Stankovic was described as an experienced midfielder who was creative and energetic, had good ball control in the midfield and was adept at decision making during the game. He could play as a defensive midfielder as well. 

HFC midfielder Stankovic hangs up his boots (Published in TOI Hyderabad)Download

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