Following their rebranding from Hyderabad to Delhi, Sporting Delhi’s new life is not quite going as planned. The club has played five official games including the 2025/26 AIFF Super Cup and 2025/26 ISL without earning a win.
They will next travel to Goa as they get ready for their third ISL match of the 2025–2026 season against FC Goa, managed by Manolo Márquez. SC Delhi head coach Tomasz Tchorz and former FC Goa player Alan Saji spoke to the media prior to the match.
Tomasz Tchorz’s thoughts on FC Goa
FC Goa’s performance in the 2025/26 AFC Asian Champions League-2 season was disappointing. However, they have performed admirably domestically. They won the 2025/26 AIFF Super Cup and are undefeated in the 2025/26 ISL, having won one and drawn one against Inter Kashi. Tomasz showed his admiration for Manolo Márquez and the opposition when discussing their gameplay.
“As for every game, we analyze the opponent and we try to adjust how we want to play against. Goa is a team who is very compact defensively and now they have also quite interesting approach in attacking. They try to play with both strikers between the lines. This is something that we know all, especially from Italian clubs. Of course, as the coach is from Spain, he has a lot of fresh modern ideas, and he also used to play with the line of four.
“Regardless of the way of playing by FC Goa, we have our own style, which we want to implement and develop during this game also. For us, developing our game style is the objective for a longer term and we consider this match as the opportunity also to improve and implement some new things.”
“We will have ideas how to break their lines, how to attack the space behind. I will not reveal them now to not facilitate the preparation of the opponent. But you can take my word for granted that we have studied the game and we will prepare for the best.”
Tomasz Tchorz’s addresses defensive concerns
Defense has been a major issue for SC Delhi since Tomasz Tchorz took command. They have let up 15 goals in 5 games, with an average of 3 goals per contest. Due to their defensive problems, they are currently at the bottom of the league, behind Mohammedan by goal difference. Tomasz talked on how they were working to strengthen their defense.
“We have conceded a lot of goals. We are a new established club, a new established team. Almost a full eleven is different that we played the first two games in the India Super League. Players need time to understand each other better. We are working very hard to improve our defensive face.”
“Players need to get a little bit more experience. Also to understand how to deal with pressure. This is their beginning; this is our beginning. With time, with the good work, the positive mindset, the result will come. We will concede less goals and we will score more. Let’s evaluate our team after the season, not after two games in the league.”, insisted Tomasz Tchorz.
Tomasz Tchorz on playing Ashutosh Mehta and Alex Saji
This season, players like Ashutosh Mehta and Alex Saji have seldom featured in the ISL. With leaders like these two at the back, one would expect the club to be more defensively structured given their experience. Tomasz was asked if he had considered playing the seasoned pair to help them improve their defensive record.
“In both games, Ashutosh Mehta played. I am very grateful for his presence in the team. He is a very experienced player, a very conscious player. He knows how to lead the team; he knows how to support youngsters. We have a lot of young players; we need a leader like Ashutosh. He is an example for all of us. I am grateful and I appreciate that he is with us, he helps us a lot.”
“And of course, every player, Ashutosh, Alex, any other player who is in our squad, is ready to play and is considerate to play. I can assure you that all of the players are motivated, training very well, training very hard, waiting for the chance. So, they will play for sure and they will use the chance well.”, commented Tomasz Tchorz.
Alan Saji on working with Tomasz Tchorz
Alan Saji, a 19-year-old striker, is widely recognized as one of the most promising players in Indian football. On the other side, Tomasz Tchorz has a proven track record of helping young people grow. Alan spoke about his ISL debut and discussed the prospect of working with the Polish tactician.
“I am very grateful to get the chance to play in the ISL. Last year I was with Goa and then I had my ACL and I was not able to play. This year I am here and I am very happy that the coach gave me the chance to debut in the ISL.I am getting a few minutes, so I am looking forward to score and help the team better.”, added Alan Saji.
When and Where to Watch FC Goa vs SC Delhi?
The match between FC Goa and Sporting Club Delhi will be played on 26 February at the Fatorda Stadium, Goa with kick-off scheduled for 7:30 PM IST. The game will be broadcasted live on the Sony Sports Network and streamed on the FanCode digital platform.
Follow Footy India on Instagram and X for more updates on Indian Football.
Footy India 