Ever smiling Derrick Pereira confident despite the artificial pitch worries at Cooperage

by Kaushal Shukla February 13, 2015

Salgaocar FC are unbeaten in their last three games after recent wins over East Bengal and Sporting Club de Goa and come into the game away to Mumbai FC having conceded just three goals in this season’s I-League.

Coach Derrick Pereira is delighted with his team’s start to the season. “I am happy with the start we have made, especially considering the players we are missing”.

Derrick Pereira hailed his team’s performance in their last game against East Bengal where he felt his side was very clinical. “Our 3-1 win over East Bengal was our best performance of the season and we hope to continue that form in tomorrow’s game”.

Pereira was especially glad to have Darryl Duffy back firing after the New Zealander recovering from an injury set back by putting in an impressive display against East Bengal. “Darryl is still not completely ready fitness wise but he is playing well and gives us something extra going forward”.

The artificial pitch at Cooperage is a worry for the visiting teams, but Derrick Pereira is not too bothered about the pitch, despite admitting that it won’t be easy for his side to play football on that pitch.

“It’s not easy to play good flowing football on this pitch, but that is the case for both the teams. We have been practicing on an artificial turf back home and have trained on this pitch too in the morning, so we should be fine”.

Salgaocar have a fantastic record against Mumbai FC and today’s hosts have failed to emerge victorious against their visitors for today since 2012. But Derrick dismissed that will have any bearing on this game.

“I don’t know the records, but tomorrow’s game is important. Mumbai FC are a good side with lot of experienced players in their ranks. I have faced Khalid and his sides before and they are always fighting, so it will be very difficult for us”.

Derrick Pereira’s ever smiling face backed by his confident and relaxed body language seems to be the reflection of his side, who are in top form at the moment and Mumbai FC will have to produce something special if they are to break that smile on Derrick Pereira’s face.