Interview: Riise, Carlos buoyant ahead of home encounter vs NE United

(Image cortesy ISL)

John Arne Riise and Roberto Carlos; the prospect of seeing them ply their trade together down the left flank would have seemed enticing to any top manager from last decade. While the two didn't cross paths during their tenure with a multitude of clubs in Europe, the fledgling Indian Super League has managed to bring them on the same team sheet.

Their addition has ensured that the Dynamos from Delhi have had a largely successful run so far in the 2nd season of the franchisee based tourney; ahead of their next match against the Highlanders from North East, the duo interacted with the media about how the journey has been so far and what can be expected from the team in upcoming fixtures.

Excerpts:

What do you think of your performance so far?

Riise- The more games you play, the more confident you get. I am getting more confident with the players around me. We have had five away games so far and the travel has been tough but we have twelve points. Its been a good start for myself and the team.

Delhi has been scoring lesser goals than other teams. Is it down to lack of chances being created or converting?

Carlos- In my opinion the team is doing well. The goals shall follow suit soon.

Are you enjoying playing centrally as opposed to the left flank and how has the transition been so far?

Riise- Its less running in the middle than playing left back. Roberto asked me where i prefer to play but it doesn't matter to me. i play where the manager wants me to play- left back, centre back, centre midfield. But i am enjoying playing centre-back. I think my relationship with Anas has been good. he’s a strong defender. I enjoy it. Two games I played left-back. So i’m ready to play wherever he wants me to.

Delhi won four matches all of last season and they’ve already won four this season and can top the table tomorrow. Do you feel in a good position to win the title?

Carlos- Yeah i work always to be the champion. Its a very complicated league but we now have home games. We’re going to try and win as many, and try to get to the playoffs. Not saying last season was bad but this season and all the points are down to the players.

Northeast United will be desperate for the win. How are you approaching this fixture?

Carlos- Sometimes the table doesn’t show the skills of each team. NE is a great team with great players. So obviously we are going to struggle to win tomorrow. It is going to be very tough. We went through that against Mumbai. And we don’t have the same result as Mumbai. It doesn't matter where each team is in the table but i’m hoping to win.

Will the team’s recruit from EPL- Adil Nabi be playing tomorrow?

Carlos- No

A lot of people believe Delhi could be the eventual champions. Any extra pressure because of that?

Carlos- In theory, we can be one of the favourites but the most important thing is execution. We have to show what we are capable of on the pitch, statistics don’t matter. The players have to get on the pitch and try to perform and be better than the opponents.