HFC First Team Coach Conor Nestor: We are a group that is willing to learn and fight for the jersey
HYDERABAD: After a long wait, Hyderabad FC is set to take on East Bengal FC in Kolkata on Saturday, September 30, to kick off their 2023-24 Indian Super League (ISL) campaign. The Nawabs are unbeaten against the Red and Gold Brigade in all competitions and will look to start their season on a positive note.
East Bengal played out a goalless draw against Jamshedpur in the opening round, while Hyderabad’s clash against FC Goa was postponed. Carles Cuadrat’s side has an exciting squad with former HFC stars Javi Siverio and Borja Herrera hitting the ground running in Kolkata. The likes of Cleiton Silva, Saul Crespo, Mahesh Naorem, and Nandha Kumar will look to create havoc among HFC’s backline, making it a tough clash for the Yellow and Black.
Speaking ahead of the game, HFC First Team Coach Conor Nestor said, “We can all see that East Bengal has a strong squad. They are organized, look well prepared, and are a real threat in set-pieces. They will be hungry for their first win in front of their home fans, and I expect a tough game for my side.“
Hyderabad, who were knocked out of the Durand Cup early, have had a vigorous pre-season. New faces Jonathan Moya, Petteri Pennanen, Joe Knowles, Felipe Amorim, and Oswaldo Alanis will all be waiting to get their first taste of Indian football in the city of Joy. With the Indian core still intact at the club, Hyderabad, who also beat East Bengal in a pre-season friendly earlier in the month, will look to give their best in this crunch clash.
“We are a group that is willing to learn and fight for the jersey,” said Conor, speaking about his team. “The improvement has been huge over the last few weeks. They are a hungry group, willing to work hard and fight for the jersey, and that is what the fans can expect this weekend.”
Hyderabad will also sport a new-look coaching staff on the bench and will look to start a new chapter in its history on the right note. The game kicks off at 8:00 pm IST on Saturday, September 30, and will be telecasted live on Sports 18 and VH1, with free streaming on Jio Cinema.
