Maharashtra Coach Steven Dias: Our vision is clear, we want to be champions

by Chittu Shetty January 14, 2023

In a quick chat with footballcounter, Maharashtra Coach Steven Dias reflects on the team’s winning start, missed chances and the fan’s support in Maharashtra’s victory so far in Hero Santosh Trophy

Maharashtra secured their fourth straight win of the campaign after a 3-1 victory over Haryana in the ongoing Hero Santosh Trophy. With this win, Maharashtra goes to second in their group on goal difference and will now face West Bengal, who also have four wins in four games.

In an exclusive interview with Footballcounter, Maharashtra Coach Steven Dias shared his thoughts on the team’s performance so far in the tournament. “I think the boys played well, we were ready from day 1. Our vision is clear, we want to become champions and so from day 1, my boys were prepared. Even today, from the first minute we started well and got the goals. I’m happy with the performances,” said Dias.

When asked about the missed chances in the second half, Dias acknowledged the issue but explained that the team has been adjusting to the change in playing surface from artificial turf to grass. “Yes, we are missing chances and that is because throughout the camp, selection process, and training we played on artificial turfs. From turf to now coming to play in the grass ground is not easy, but the players have adjusted well and scored goals. The missed chances are visible because we are also continuously reaching there and creating many chances. By the next game, we will work on our finishing part,” said Dias.

Dias also brushed off the notion that the team was on the backfoot in the final ten minutes of the match. “I don’t think that way. I believe planning is work, we are scoring and winning. I don’t think we were on the back foot either. When you are leading 3-1 in the final 10 minutes, the first instinct is to get 3 points then we think about goal-scoring opportunities. The boys knew the importance of 3 points and so they went to defense,” said Dias.

Finally, Dias thanked the fans for their support and urged them to come out in large numbers for the team’s next match against West Bengal. “I feel whatever victory we got, I think it’s because of the fans, the way they have come and cheer for us, cheer for Maharashtra, its been great.”

Further adding, “This is Kolhapur, and the way Kolhapur fans are supporting us, they have ensured we get the home-ground advantage. We don’t feel like, we have come out anywhere else. So I just want to tell our fans, thank you for the support so far and do come in large numbers for our last match against West Bengal and we will try our best and make sure to entertain you all,” Dias concluded.

Also Read: Dominant West Bengal secures 5-0 Victory, Haryana picks a come-from-behind win

Also Read: Madhya Pradesh picks first win of the campaign