MARGAO
Dempo Sports Club are back in action, as they face Gokulam Kerala FC at the Payyanad Stadium, for their Matchweek 4 fixture of the Indian Football League 2025-26.
Dempo have been competitive in all three games this season. A home draw against Real Kashmir FC, a narrow defeat to Diamond Harbour FC and a hard-fought draw away at Chanmari FC, have left Dempo with two points, Head Coach Samir Naik knows the performances have been there and believes the results will follow.
"We've been doing well but some results did not go our way," Naik said. "The league format is such that you have to get something positive out of every game otherwise any team could struggle."
The Coach was also clear about the nature of the challenge ahead. With the table tightly packed and every side fighting for points, Naik knows that tomorrow’s fixture demands nothing less than Dempo's best.
"Every team is trying very hard and there is no easy moment for any team," he said. "Even the teams at the bottom are trying their best to win games. This game against Gokulam also won't be easy because we are also trying to be in that group that can challenge."
Naik also confirmed that the squad is managing a few injury concerns heading into the fixture, though he was quick to express confidence in the depth available to him. "I believe in all the players I have," he said.
Goalkeeper Ashish Sibi, who was among Dempo's standout performers in the draw against Chanmari FC last week, spoke positively about the mood in the camp and the preparation that has gone into tomorrow’s game.
"After the Chanmari match we looked positive and the training sessions were all good," Sibi said. "We are prepared for this game."
The shot-stopper was clear about what the squad needs from tomorrow’s fixture. "It's my duty to do my best for the team and this game is no different," he said. "We have to get a positive result because it's already been three games and we are trying to get our first win. We will do our best."
