Krishan Kumar Hooda: I had told the team to play more aggressively

Dabang Delhi K.C. managed to get the better of Haryana Steelers at the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex in Greater Noida on Thursday with a scoreline of 39-33. The two teams' respective coaches explained why the result came through in the post-match press conference.

Dabang Delhi K.C.

Q. A win after three straight losses. How does it feel?

Krishan Kumar Hooda: We had lost those three matches because we were making similar errors. We said then that we would perform better and we intend to live up to that promise.

Q. Today the team played an attacking game right from the get-go. Was this something that was strategised?

Krishan Kumar Hooda: This was according to our strategy. I had told them to play more aggressively today. They put on some wonderful gameplay. As compared to all the matches so far, today we had fun! We are definitely trying to ensure that our fans are not disappointed and I am hopeful that my team will do something notable this time around. This is what I think, the rest is our fate. We have even defeated strong teams, like Bengal Warriors and against U.P. Yoddha we were leading in the final minutes... but we have had a few misses. We have plenty of opportunities though and I remain hopeful.

Q. Did you have a specific defensive strategy to account for Monu Goyat and Vikash Khandola?

Krishan Kumar Hooda: Yes, I took a decision. We had decided to play aggressively. I hold told my Corners last evening that if they are unable to get a Bonus, then attack. And yes, they could get a point too but these go back and forth. They are also good players, so points come and go. We have tackled them plenty of times. We will put on a good show. Our next match is in Mumbai and I assure you that we will put on a good show there too.

Haryana Steelers

Q. You have now gone down in successive matches...

Rambir Singh Khokhar: We have now lost two matches in a row after building a bit of momentum after our win over Patna Pirates. We had taken the lead in this match but we were lacking a bit in the defence. But we'll come back, there are other opportunities available.

Q.  Haryana Steelers were leading early in the match. What happened?

Rambir Singh Khokhar: We led in our previous match too. Today was the same. The conclusion is that the final 10 minutes is down to experience. But our team is fairly young... Surender Nada is also out. But still our defence played excellently in the first half. Things like this happen.

Q. Is the change in captaincy helping?

Rambir Singh Khokhar: There's no change in leadership. Our captain is Monu (Goyat). We had deliberately come up with a strategy to ensure Monu isn't introduced into the game straight up. Sometimes a player plays better as a substitute. The moment we got him on, he delivered. It was a strategic move.