Defending top-flight champions Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club made a flying start in their pursuit of the title defence.
At one stage, the Dhanmondi-based outfit extended their lead at the top of the 11-team points table to nine and it was already looking like the Manyavar Bangladesh Premier League 2014-15 season was a foregone conclusion, much like the previous season.
However, two consecutive draws against Brothers Union and Mohammedan meant the holders stuttered for the first time this season. The scenario turned a bit trickier when they went down to a defeat against Abahani last Thursday. The loss against the traditional Sky Blues was their first defeat in 28 matches.
The twin draws and the defeat saw Sheikh Jamal’s lead at the summit cut down to six points as they garnered just two points from a possible nine. The table-toppers now have 23 points from 10 matches, six more than Abahani who have played a game less. Third-placed Sheikh Russel (16 points), meanwhile, have the golden opportunity to move to just a point behind their namesake if the former win their two matches in hand.
Having begun the season in an imposing fashion, winning the season-opening Federation Cup, Sheikh Jamal’s prospects, however, have taken a hit in recent times. And during a brief conversation with Dhaka Tribune yesterday, Sheikh Jamal head coach Maruful Haque said if they do not arrest their slide in form sooner rather than later, they might surrender their lead at the top.
Sheikh Jamal began the season in a dominating style before conceding points against Brothers Union, Mohammedan and Abahani recently. How do you evaluate Sheikh Jamal’s performance following the first phase of the league campaign? Are you satisfied with the overall display?
Although we are still at the top of the league, I am not satisfied with the performance of my team. We have the ability and could have ended the first phase with a maximum 30 points. But, we ended up losing seven points which is totally unexpected.
What do you think are the reasons behind the dropped points against the three aforementioned clubs?
The players were not at their best, to be honest. They showed a lack of determination and their concentration in the game was not enough. The tiredness of the players is another reason as they have played a lot of matches this season.
Are you mulling any new signings in the upcoming players’ transfer window?
Not yet.
What is the target for the second phase?
The target is to extend our lead at the top of the points table. I still believe we will win the title.
