ISL 2023-24: We are confident that we can turn things around – Sahil Tavora ahead of Hyderabad FC’s first home game

Hyderabad’s midfielder Sahil Tavora is optimistic about turning things around in the ongoing Indian Super League ahead of their first home game. The Nizams haven’t got off to a promising start in the ongoing tenth edition of the tournament, as they have lost both of their matches.

Thus, they are in 11th place in the standings and they will need to turn the tables. Hyderabad FC will play their first home game of the season against Chennaiyin FC at the G.M.C. Balayogi Athletic Stadium, Hyderabad on 23rd October.

Meanwhile, Sahil Tavora scored the equalizer for Hyderabad FC in the ISL 2021-22 final against Kerala Blasters FC in the dying seconds of regular time. Subsequently, the Nizams went on to win the title on penalties.

Speaking to Sportskeeda, Tavora said it has been a great experience to play for Hyderabad since the beginning. “It feels great to have been a part of this club since its inception. I think I have made a lot of connections at the club. There are also a lot of good memories, starting with the lows of the first season and then the 2021-22 season when we won the title. I have also formed a lot of friendships here.”

Speaking on the team’s performance in the first two matches against East Bengal and Jamshedpur FC, which they lost, Tavora said, “It was quite challenging to digest those two losses as we had played really well in both games. However, we have gone back to the drawing board and tried to analyze where we went wrong. We are not working on anything in particular per se, but hoping to gel better as a group. We are a new team, and I am confident that we can turn things around.”

Meanwhile, Conor Nestor has taken the coaching baton from Manolo Marquez, who has joined FC Goa. Tavora said it is a different challenge to play under the tutelage of the Irishman.

Tavora said, “It is quite different for sure. We had worked under the same coach (Manolo Marquez) for three years and knew instinctively what he wanted from us.

So, it has been a challenge to adapt to what the new coach (Conor Nestor) asks from us. It will take some time for all the players to get on board with his ideas. We need to be patient, but with time, we will get the desired results.”