Friday, April 10, 2009
DPMM FC head coach Vjeran Simunic (pic) warned his players that losing tonight's Singapore League (S-League) clash against leaders Gombak United FC "won't be the end of the world".
Undefeated since the start of the season, the Croatian revealed that their good run of form which see them currently in third had attracted the wrong kind of attention heading into tonight's match at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore.
With just two points separating the teams, if DPMM FC beat Gombak they will regain the top spot they held briefly last month.
However, the exact opposite was on Simunic's mind and he readily admitted that a share of the points would be a fair result.
"People have been asking me why we haven't lost yet. I don't know, but even if we lose I want my players to pick themselves up as fast as possible because it won't be the end of the world," said Simunic on Wednesday.
Tonight's match against Gombak was supposed to be played at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas but had to be shifted to the Jalan Besar Stadium because it has the capability to host S-League games that are shown live on television, with MediaCorp Channel 5 broadcasting the game in Singapore.
Despite playing at the stadium for the third time this campaign, Simunic said that the synthetic grass would still pose problems.
"This was supposed to be a home game and if we play here (in Brunei) I am sure we would win because my team are full of confidence playing at home now," said Simunic.
"Some say we are lucky to be in the position we are in now but I say that is not true. Fortune favours the brave and we are brave, so we deserve fortune.
"But playing on synthetic grass is a challenge for us. You cannot make sharp turns and that is something my players like to do.
"Gombak deserve to be on top. They scored three goals against defending champions Singapore Armed Forces (SAF FC) and I expect another game like (the one against) Tampines," said the Croatian, referring to last Friday's 1-1 away draw to Tampines Rovers FC.
One of the issues the coach touched on was the rumours accusing him of favouritism because of an article that was published in the S-League's website.
In a match report for the DPMM FC-Tampines game, Simunic was quoted as saying that he did not like Algerian striker Abdel Hamid Berguiga and South Korean striker Oh Ddog Yi and he only played them because he was forced to due to S-League rules.
"We must forget about that, it is all a big misunderstanding because I am very satisfied with the imports," refuted Simunic.
"I have worked one year to build a relationship with these players and it is not true I favour one player over another ... You can see everyday that we are like a family.
"The players trust me and I trust the players. Nobody needs to worry about the relationship with me and imports," added Simunic.
DPMM FC face Albirex Niigata FC (S) at the Jurong East Stadium next Tuesday and will not be returning until Wednesday.
Fans can watch tonight's game live on RTB2 courtesy of Maju Motor Sdn Bhd at 7.30pm.The Brunei Times
Taken From: http://www.bt.com.bn/en/local_sport/2009/04/10/dpmm_fc_coach_i_dont_favour_anybody
Undefeated since the start of the season, the Croatian revealed that their good run of form which see them currently in third had attracted the wrong kind of attention heading into tonight's match at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore.
With just two points separating the teams, if DPMM FC beat Gombak they will regain the top spot they held briefly last month.
However, the exact opposite was on Simunic's mind and he readily admitted that a share of the points would be a fair result.
"People have been asking me why we haven't lost yet. I don't know, but even if we lose I want my players to pick themselves up as fast as possible because it won't be the end of the world," said Simunic on Wednesday.
Tonight's match against Gombak was supposed to be played at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas but had to be shifted to the Jalan Besar Stadium because it has the capability to host S-League games that are shown live on television, with MediaCorp Channel 5 broadcasting the game in Singapore.
Despite playing at the stadium for the third time this campaign, Simunic said that the synthetic grass would still pose problems.
"This was supposed to be a home game and if we play here (in Brunei) I am sure we would win because my team are full of confidence playing at home now," said Simunic.
"Some say we are lucky to be in the position we are in now but I say that is not true. Fortune favours the brave and we are brave, so we deserve fortune.
"But playing on synthetic grass is a challenge for us. You cannot make sharp turns and that is something my players like to do.
"Gombak deserve to be on top. They scored three goals against defending champions Singapore Armed Forces (SAF FC) and I expect another game like (the one against) Tampines," said the Croatian, referring to last Friday's 1-1 away draw to Tampines Rovers FC.
One of the issues the coach touched on was the rumours accusing him of favouritism because of an article that was published in the S-League's website.
In a match report for the DPMM FC-Tampines game, Simunic was quoted as saying that he did not like Algerian striker Abdel Hamid Berguiga and South Korean striker Oh Ddog Yi and he only played them because he was forced to due to S-League rules.
"We must forget about that, it is all a big misunderstanding because I am very satisfied with the imports," refuted Simunic.
"I have worked one year to build a relationship with these players and it is not true I favour one player over another ... You can see everyday that we are like a family.
"The players trust me and I trust the players. Nobody needs to worry about the relationship with me and imports," added Simunic.
DPMM FC face Albirex Niigata FC (S) at the Jurong East Stadium next Tuesday and will not be returning until Wednesday.
Fans can watch tonight's game live on RTB2 courtesy of Maju Motor Sdn Bhd at 7.30pm.The Brunei Times
Taken From: http://www.bt.com.bn/en/local_sport/2009/04/10/dpmm_fc_coach_i_dont_favour_anybody
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