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Return of fans is timely for Sailors’ title aspirations: CEO Chun-Liang

The Lion City Sailors were in high spirits when news surrounding the restart of the Singapore Premier League (SPL) came through earlier today (7 July 2021).

The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) revealed in an announcement that fans will be allowed back into stadiums when the SPL returns to action after a FIFA International break on 17 July – and the news was met with much cheer among the Sailors.

“Fans are at the core of everything we’re aiming to achieve at the Sailors, and we’re delighted to be able to once again welcome fans to our matches,” said Sailors’ Chief Executive Chew Chun-Liang.

The return of fans could not have come at a better time for the Sailors who return to SPL action on 23 July, against title rivals Albirex Niigata (S) in a top of the table clash.

The Sailors trail the league leaders by a solitary point in the eight-team SPL standings, and with just 10 games of the season to go, this match could play a key role in the SPL title race.

“There has been a spring in the step of our players since our new Head Coach, Kim Do-hoon took charge, and having fans in the stands will be a great welcome for him,” said Chun-Liang.

“And there is no doubt that fans will further boost the team in this important match too – the players are excited at the prospect of being able to perform for our loyal fans who haven’t been able to watch us “live”, and I’m looking forward to the match, that’s for sure.”
The FAS revealed that up to 250 eligible fans will be allowed to each SPL match starting from 17 July, with prevailing safe-distancing and security protocols in force. The FAS announcement outlines these details that are in accordance with Sport Singapore guidelines.

SPL fans will still be able to watch every match “live” on broadcast at Singtel TV, StarHub TV and live streaming online via the SPL Facebook page and YouTube channel, as well as the Facebook page of 1 Play Sports.

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Aurelio credits team’s character and mental strength for ‘impressive’ victory over Hougang

Just two weeks ago at the Bishan Stadium, the Lion City Sailors were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) by a resolute Hougang United side.

But the Sailors made amends for that last evening (Nov 17), overcoming the Cheetahs 3-1 in a battling display at the Hougang Stadium.

Similar to the reverse fixture at Bishan, the Sailors were once again the dominant team in possession yesterday, while Hougang set themselves up in a deep block and looked to hit back on the break.

This time, though, we were able to take the lead early, with Gabriel Quak breaking the deadlock in the 12th minute with a sublime free-kick.

Speedy winger Hafiz Nor then doubled our lead in the 57th minute with his first goal of the season, before Shahdan Sulaiman put the result beyond any doubt four minutes from time with our third goal of the night.

Hougang scored a consolation in the third minute of added time through a Charlie Machell penalty, but that did little to mar an otherwise splendid performance and win for the Sailors.

Indeed, head coach Aurelio Vidmar was effusive in his praise for the players after the game, as he labelled the victory as one of the ‘most impressive’ since he took over the club earlier this year.

“I thought it was a super performance tonight, we showed a lot of toughness and character in difficult circumstances – I think this was one of our most impressive wins of the season,” gushed Aurelio.

“We didn’t do much differently from the previous game. We played very similar, as they did, but I think we executed our shots on target a lot better than we did previously. We’ve been building on that (aspect) the last couple of weeks.”

The only downside from last evening’s game was an injury to our in-form Croatian striker Stipe Plazibat, who had to come off the pitch in the 40th minute due to a hamstring problem.

While the extent of Stipe’s injury is still unknown, the prospect of losing him at this crucial stage of the season – with just five more SPL games to go – would be a huge blow.

Nonetheless, Aurelio is confident that the rest of his players, including a refreshed and recharged Shahril Ishak, has the ability to fill in capably for Stipe if needed.

“It’s going to be a loss if he (Stipe) doesn’t play,” Aurelio admitted. “But I think we showed tonight that we’ve got some flexibility in that (striker) position as well. We have Shahril back…Gabriel’s played there as well, we can put Adam or Hafiz there too, so we have a number of options.

“But let’s just wait and see because it’s still too early to say (how long Stipe could be out for). He’ll see a physio, get a scan and we’ll assess it from there.”

The Sailors’ win over Hougang means we have now won three consecutive SPL games, and are unbeaten in our last five overall. This good run of form has seen us jump up to third in the table, just three points behind joint-league leaders Albirex Niigata (S) and Tampines Rovers.

Up next for the Sailors will arguably be one of our toughest and most important matches of the season – a potential title-deciding clash against Albirex on Sunday (Nov 22), 5.30pm, at the Bishan Stadium.

And although Albirex were able to beat the Sailors 3-2 somewhat controversially the last time we met them at the Jurong East Stadium, Aurelio is confident that the momentum generated from the past few games will help see the team through this time around.

“Obviously, there’s a big game on Sunday…Albirex have been very consistent and very strong this year, it’s certainly a defining moment in the season for both clubs,” said Aurelio. “But the boys have been fantastic the last few weeks, and have really worked extremely hard to get the results that they have.

“I’m very happy with the three wins on the trot, so let’s see (what happens on Sunday). I can’t think too much ahead because we’re just coming off the win tonight, so we’ll just enjoy that now, because the players deserve that,” added Aurelio.

“We’ll take the next couple of days to recover and relax, and then get ourselves prepared for Albirex.”

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Song’s enjoying Stipe link-up as Sailors look to break down stubborn Hougang

Receiving the ball from Stipe Plazibat, Song Ui-Young instantly laid the ball back to the Croatian striker and made a darting run into the box in expectation of a through pass.

Song’s faith was repaid – Stipe sent a delightful ball into the path of Song, who finished the move off with remarkable precision to score the Sailors’ third goal in their 6-1 win over Tanjong Pagar United last Friday (Nov 13).

That goal was the talk on social media over the weekend, with netizens praising the quick interchange of passes between Song and Stipe, four touches over the course of just five seconds. More importantly, the goal is a great example of how scintillating the Sailors have been in attack in their last few Singapore Premier League (SPL) matches.

It is also a showcase of the improved chemistry and telepathy between the attackers – something that Song puts down to his excellent off-the-pitch relationship with Stipe, who only joined the club in September.

“I don’t know how to explain about this goal… It just happened!” recounted Song, who also linked up with Stipe to score in the Sailors’ previous match – a 7-1 thrashing of Balestier Khalsa. “The relationship between me and Stipe is really good. It is not only about football; off the field we are good friends as well. We talk a lot, and we share many things about life.

“We played together before (at Home United in 2017) and we kept in contact even after he left the team. We understand each other very well (outside football), and that’s why the situation on the field is probably the same.

“It’s not only this goal. I believe more goals are going to come as a result of our relationship.”

Since making his debut in Singapore football with Home United in 2012, Song has played alongside quality forwards such as Frederic Mendy, Indra Sahdan and Ken Ilso. But the South Korean still ranks Stipe amongst the very best forwards – if not the best one – that he has had the opportunity to play with.

“They all have different styles – Mendy is tall and is always a physical presence. Ilso is a bit more technical, while Stipe is usually an out-and-out finisher, although sometimes, he plays like a playmaker,” Song mused. “Stipe has been scoring a lot each year, to the point I’ve stopped counting his goals! I think he has more than 50 goals in the SPL now and he’s definitely one of the best strikers we have in this league.

“When I worked with Mendy, Indra and Ilso, I was in my early 20s and quite young so I was more on the field as a support to them. Now, I have a main role in the team with Stipe, so I have more responsibility to make a difference for the team. But it really makes my job easier with his (Stipe) presence upfront.”

After a disappointing 2019 season in which Home finished sixth out of nine teams and failed to qualify for continental football for the first time in four seasons, the club is now showing shoots of promise, after being rebranded as the Lion City Sailors, and coming under the stewardship of renowned Australian coach Aurelio Vidmar.

Song has only good things to say about the gaffer, who previously led A-League side Adelaide United to become the first Australian team to qualify for the AFC Champions League (ACL) final in 2008.

“Last year, our head coach kept changing (from Saswadimata Dasuki to Noh Rahman to Raddy Avramovic and back to Noh Rahman). The tactical system kept changing, so naturally the team took some time to adjust. That’s why our results were not so good,” the 27-year-old reflected.

“This year, we have stability with Coach Aurelio – he has huge experience as a player and as a head coach. He’s getting respect and trust from the players and the coaching staff for the ideas that he has brought in. So far, everything’s going well and I think everyone can see our improvement this season, so that’s very positive for us.”

Under Coach Aurelio, Song’s role with the team may have altered a little as he is required to sit slightly deeper, but he is relishing it nonetheless.

“My role this year is a new one. Last year it was just like a pure no. 10, in a free role where I could focus a bit more on attack,” he revealed. “This time I’m playing not just as no. 10, but also as no. 8. I’ve to adjust according to the game’s situation, but there’s no big issue for me because I’ve been playing in both positions over the years.

“The combination between the midfielders is really good. Shahdan (Sulaiman) sits a bit deeper and I will support Saifullah (Akbar) or Gabriel (Quak) more in the attack. I’m really enjoying this new role with this group of good players.”

After thrilling with 13 goals in their last two outings, the Sailors are now gunning for a third straight league victory.

But it will not come easy. The Sailors have an away fixture against a disciplined Hougang United side on Tuesday night (Nov 17). The Cheetahs managed to frustrate the Sailors two weeks ago in a 1-1 draw at Bishan which Song missed through injury, and he is now ready to make up for that missed opportunity.

“Hougang is a difficult team to break down. When we played against them, they were really focused on the defensive areas – with five defenders and four midfielders all in their own half,” he pointed out.

“It wasn’t an easy game with so many of their players back there. But if they set up like that again, we have no choice but to break them and score to get the three points. I believe the winning mentality is much stronger than before after our last two performances, and now we’ve to prove our quality in this match.”

Currently three points off the top with six games still to be played, Song believes the team is poised for the title challenge as he set his sights on playing in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League.

This year’s SPL champions will earn an automatic berth in the group stages of Asia’s elite club competition.

“I’m really eager to win the league because I’ve never won it in my nine years here,” said the Incheon native. “We’re now in a good flow to make this happen, and I’m going to do my best to help the team achieve our dream.

“I’ve been dreaming of playing in the AFC Champions League since we finished as zonal champions in the 2018 AFC Cup. I remember scoring against (Indonesia’s) Persija Jakarta (in front of 62,198 fans at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium) and that was a really special memory,” said Song of Home United’s exploits in the AFC’s second-tier regional club competition.

“I want to have that feeling again – playing against a strong team in front of a big crowd. To be in this competition playing against Asia’s biggest teams will help not just the club, but also Singapore football as a whole, to improve.”

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Slow start, but good result ahead of hectic month

The sluggish start to Sunday evening’s Singapore Premier League match against the Young Lions saw Aurelio Vidmar’s charges pepper the opposition goal with 11 shots, but still fail to find the back of the net.

But a goal within 30 seconds of the second half saw the Sailors romp to a 5-0 victory at the Bishan Stadium, in a result that has set the tone for what will be a sprint to end of the shortened SPL season.

“I was frustrated because I missed a chance in the first half, and we didn’t play our best football. But we came out of the locker room determined to make up for that terrible first half, and luckily, we scored very fast – that goal changed the momentum,” said frontman Stipe Plazibat.

It was the unfortunate Young Lions skipper Jacob Mahler who bundled a Gabriel Quak cut back into his own net in the 46th minute. But even if the excellent Mahler had not touched the ball, Stipe was lurking at the far post for what would have been an easy tap in.

Stipe did get on the score sheet later – twice. The first came in the 76th minute, an improvised volley to finish off a good cross from substitute Adam Swandi; and the second was a clinical penalty in the 82nd minute, after Adam was adjudged to have been fouled.

Stipe’s goals were sandwiched by a 70th minute Adam diving header and a 92nd minute Gabriel goal – both of which were created by the Croat.

“Gabriel deserved a goal in this match, and after I took the penalty, I told him that I wanted him to score. Passing him that ball was a good opportunity for me to pay him back for his assist for me in the 4-0 win over Geylang International,” said the 31-year-old Stipe.

It was this unity and ability to bounce back from a poor first half that brought a smile to Aurelio’s face – especially with the challenging month ahead of the Sailors.

“We couldn’t get on the pitch (the night before the Young Lions match) to train because the lightning alarm was on for several hours, maybe that had some sort of an effect in the first half. But we grew in the second half,” said Aurelio.

A Lightning Warning System is in force at sporting facilities across the country. Once activated, activity will only be allowed after it has been established that the threat of lightning activity has subsided.

“I was pleased with the result, 5-0 is a good win and we’ve got a difficult month coming up – nine games in 34 days – that’s going to be extremely difficult,” said the former Australia skipper.

The Sailors face Hougang United on Wednesday, and will play six more matches in November. They will end their SPL season in early December, after facing Tampines Rovers (2 Dec) and Balestier Khalsa (5 Dec).

The Sailors are now fifth in the eight-team standings, on seven points, five behind league leaders Tampines. Their next opponents, Hougang, are in the fourth spot with eight points.

Added Aurelio: “By the middle of November, I’m not going to be too fussed about how we’re doing things. It’s really about getting everyone fresh, and trying to get a result in every game now.”

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Naqiuddin Eunos settling well as Sailors look to bounce back against Young Lions

The Lion City Sailors have endured mixed fortunes since the Singapore Premier League (SPL) restarted, with Aurelio Vidmar’s charges first scoring a big win, then hit with a heart-wrenching defeat. But for one Sailor, football’s resumption has seen nothing but a rise in his stock, a rise that started at the beginning of the year.

Joining from the Young Lions after the end of the 2019 season, Naqiuddin Eunos perhaps thought he would need to bide his time for regular football. But instead, he has already cemented himself in Aurelio’s starting eleven, missing just one minute of action in 2020, this after being substituted late on in the season-opening 1-1 draw against Tanjong Pagar United.

The 23-year-old is one of only four Sailors who have started each of the four games this year, alongside the more experienced figures of Hassan Sunny, Hafiz Nor and Song Ui-Young.

Naqiuddin is surprised by how well his Sailors career has taken off, especially having to adapt to a new role at a new club that boasts a roster packed with established senior players.

Despite being deployed mainly as a winger, and occasionally at left wing-back, throughout his time with the Young Lions, Naqiuddin was asked to adapt, and challenge for the left-back position at the Bishan Stadium.

“Slowly I managed to adapt to the role, and it’s been so far so good. I just take what the coaches taught me and go out there to perform to my best for the team,” said Naqiuddin, who is predominantly right-footed.

“It’s still quite early now, but I guess this position will stick, because I’m getting really comfortable playing at left-back now,” added Naqiuddin, who paid tribute to Sailors Assistant Coach Noh Rahman for his quick acclimatisation to life as a left-back.

Defensive technique was not all Naqiuddin had to learn – and learn fast – at the Sailors. Having played for a developmental Young Lions side, Naqiuddin noted the ‘much higher expectations’ that has come with pulling on the shirt of a wildly ambitious outfit like the Lion City Sailors.

“Yes, there’s so much attention and scrutiny when you’re playing for a big club. But that’s exactly why it was the right move for me to come here,” he emphasised. “As a young player, I have to learn how to cope with this type of pressure if I want to make it to the top as a professional footballer.

“The good thing is that there are several experienced coaches and players here who can help me to become a better player. For example, the intensity of Coach Aurelio’s training sessions is great, and he really understands and takes care of every single player,” added Naqiuddin.

He can be described as a late bloomer, but that has not stood in the way of what has been a rapid rise for Naqiuddin. Unlike a number of his peers who rose through the national age-group squads from a young age, his is a road less travelled.

Spotted by Fandi Ahmad while playing for ITE College West three years ago, he was soon drafted into the Singapore Under-20 squad before making his professional bow with the Young Lions the following year in 2018.

Under the tutelage of Fandi and then-assistant coach Nazri Nasir, Naqiuddin developed into a fine player and was part of the national U-22 squad that played at the 2019 SEA Games before making the big move to the Sailors.

“To be coached by Fandi – one of the best Singaporean players ever – was a great experience. Nazri was great too, he helped me a lot with his encouragement and advice every day,” said Naqiuddin. “Training under them, I really improved a lot from year to year.”

Naqiuddin is set to face Young Lions for the first time when the Sailors host them at Bishan on Sunday evening. The developmental side is now led by Nazri, with several of his young squad getting their first taste of professional football.

While the Sailors are firm favourites to win, Naqiuddin believes Young Lions should not be taken lightly. He knows too well the dangers that lie in complacency – especially against the Young Lions.

“I remember when I was with the Young Lions, we were always eager to win and prove a point. We wanted to show that even though we’re young, we’re capable of competing,” he recalled.

“There were always comments saying Young Lions were not good or it’s a waste of time having the team in the league. But as players, we never dwelt on that – we just trained our best and went all out on match day,” added Naqiuddin.

“I expect the same fighting spirit from this year’s batch, especially because this squad is younger than before. They’ll definitely be eager to beat us, and coach Nazri is someone who can motivate the young boys.”

After the contentious last-gasp 3-2 defeat to Albirex Niigata (S) last Saturday, it is imperative that the Sailors bounce back with victory to remain within touching distance of the pacesetters.

The Sailors are currently in sixth place, seven points off Albirex, albeit with a game in hand.

“Sometimes football can be unpredictable like that. We played so well in the second half to level the game at 2-2, but the manner of the last goal from Albirex was a massive disappointment for us,” he said.

“We cannot go back to change the result so there’s no point talking about it now. All we have to do is work on our own performance. We’re definitely ready to bounce back this Sunday and get all three points.”

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A stirring second-half display and Gabriel’s claim for a starting spot: 4 talking points from the Sailors’ heart-breaking 3-2 defeat to Albirex

It was a disappointing outing for the Sailors on Saturday evening as they went down to an unlucky 3-2 defeat to title rivals Albirex Niigata (S).

Trailing 2-0 at half-time after goals from Tomoyuki Doi and Ryosuke Nagasawa, Aurelio Vidmar’s charges rallied in the second half with Song Ui-Young pulling one back from close range before substitute Gabriel Quak powered home a stunner to equalise with just two minutes left on the clock.

Just when the Sailors thought they had grabbed a valuable point, Albirex stole it at the death with Reo Nishiguchi scoring the winner under controversial circumstances.

Here, we look back on four talking points, that the Sailors can build on as the Singapore Premier League (SPL) continues…

  • An encouraging second half performance
  • First things first, our first-half display was not good enough for a team with title aspirations. But after Coach Aurelio’s half-time team talk and some soul-searching, the team came out flying in the second half and duly pulled one back through Song after some good build-up play.

    There were times during the second half when we camped in Albirex’s half in what seemed like an attack versus defence exercise. We created chance after chance – with 14 shots to Albirex’s 10 – and eventually found the equaliser through Gabriel’s moment of brilliance.

    It would have been easy to be content with a point away from home, but instead of just sitting back, we pushed on for a possible winner. That drive to win was great to watch, but it eventually left us exposed at the back, leading to Albirex’s late winner.

    The team ought to be lauded for finding a never-say-die spirit when it seemed like the match was dead and buried by half time. This attitude will stand us in good stead as we look to tackle the challenges ahead in a jam-packed match schedule till the end of 2020.

  • Unjust, but errors happen
  • Football is a game of fine margins and we were ultimately denied a point away at our title rivals, after Albirex’s winner was allowed to stand. This despite what looked like a handball in the lead up to the goal.

    Talking about this now does nothing to change the result, and after all, referees are humans and humans do make mistakes and commit errors in judgement. Instead of crying over spilt milk, we perhaps have to defend better and possibly not put ourselves in such a situation in the first place. Albirex’s first two goals could have been prevented as well if not for lapses in concentration. The onus is on us to iron out the kinks while hoping we get the rub of the green in terms of refereeing decisions in the future.

  • Gabriel is knocking at the door
  • He was a starter in his first two matches for the Sailors, but since the league’s restart, he had to be contented with making appearances off the bench instead. Instead of sulking and questioning the decision, Gabriel took it in his stride and impressed in his two substitute appearances to date.

    Last week, he came on for the last half hour to good effect by setting up two goals in the 4-0 win over Geylang. This time round, he came on even later on the 69th minute. But in the short time on the pitch, Gabriel made his presence felt with three shots – only Song had more in the game with four – including that one that almost earned us a point.

    Nudged on the back by Kenta Kurishima in the build-up, he could have easily stayed down to appeal for a possible penalty. But he jumped back up to his feet, shrugged off his marker, side-stepped another before firing a sizzling shot that arrowed into the top left corner.

    The past couple of games should have given Coach Aurelio enough food for thought on whether to re-jig his tactics and re-instate a determined – and in-form – Gabriel back into the starting eleven.

  • Kaishu and Faizal capable of stepping in at the back
  • Since the restart of the SPL, Abdil Qaiyyim and Tajeli Salamat have been the preferred centre-back pairing for the Sailors. However, when the former succumbed to muscle cramps shortly into the second half, it paved the way for Kaishu Yamazaki and subsequently Faizal Roslan to come into the picture. Yamazaki, who had been down with a niggling injury, slotted in well at the back before being shifted into the middle of the park – where he played his part in Gabriel’s equalising goal.

    Faizal then took over at the heart of defence for the final 20 minutes and managed to keep Albirex at bay with some crucial interceptions and clearances – showing why he started all 48 league games across the 2018 and 2019 seasons when the club was known as Home United. As such, it was perhaps a tad surprising to learn that Faizal’s appearance against Albirex was just his first of the season.

    Their performances were encouraging, especially with games coming thick and fast in this period. While Coach Aurelio will surely hope to have a settled backline, it is imperative that there are capable deputies that are ready to step in when called upon.

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    Fantastic football, fiery spirit, frustrating result: Aurelio

    The Lion City Sailors were on the wrong end of a five-goal thriller in the Singapore Premier League on Saturday (24 October), falling 3-2 to Albirex Niigata at the Jurong East Stadium.

    Battling back from a 2-0 first half deficit to draw level, Aurelio Vidmar’s charges had their hearts broken right at the death by a controversial Reo Nishiguchi winner. Albirex captain Kazuki Hashioka appeared to have controlled the ball with his hand before setting up Nishiguchi to score at the far post in the fourth minute of injury time.

    But Vidmar saw several positives in the performance despite the Sailors remaining in sixth spot in the nine-team SPL standings.

    “I saw a strong mentality and a winning mindset throughout the game,” said a dejected Aurelio after the match. “We started off really well in the first 20 mins, unfortunately a couple of errors cost us goals, but we were certainly controlling the game, and continued that form into the second half.”

    Albirex took the lead in the 19th minute, after Hassan Sunny in the Sailors goal could only palm a Hiroyoshi Kamata cross, with Tomoyuki Doi sweeping home the loose ball – this despite the Sailors looking comfortable in the opening period of the contest.

    Song Ui-Young had two opportunities to level the game, but it was Albirex who doubled their lead, with Ryosuke Nagasawa rifling home in the 36th minute after the solid Tajeli Salamat uncharacteristically missed a clearance.

    “We showed great resilience and that’s what it’s all about,” said Aurelio, who saw several encouraging signs. “This was never going to be an easy game, but we showed a lot of fight and a lot of spirit and great unity, and the boys kept pushing themselves right to the very last minute.”

    The Sailors came out of the break battling. The team took control of the match, scoring first through Song who swept home in the 59th minute after a flowing move.

    Substitute Gabriel Quak then bounced to his feet after falling in the Albirex penalty box in the 88th minute, shrugged off a challenge and sent a left foot bullet that easily beat Albirex goalkeeper Kei Okawa.

    Despite having their hearts broken in injury time, Vidmar was wildly encouraged by the football on show.

    He said: “We’re playing very good football and we showed that again tonight. We had a lot of great combinations, especially in the second half. The performance from the team was fantastic, special mention to all the boys who came off the bench.”

    Aurelio was particularly pleased with the performances of the substitutes who drove the team forward in the second half. Kaishu Yamazaki and Faizal Roslan came on for their first appearance since the SPL restart, with Adam Swandi and Gabriel also coming on to good effect.

    “It’s not easy being on the bench, cos everybody obviously wants to play. Their performances showed me that they were mentally and physically ready – all the boys who came on in the second half did a great job,” said Aurelio.

    It was a similar positivity shared by Sailors midfielder Song.

    “We made mistakes to concede those first half goals, but it was clear that we believed in our coach and in each other. Once we had some time to reorganise, we bounced back very strongly,” said the South Korean.

    “I watched the video again after the game, and I think there’s an obvious handball before the last goal. But we will put the negativity behind us, and I’m certain that we will keep getting better as the season goes on.”

    While Aurelio easily found positives from this defeat, he was less pleased about what lies ahead for the Sailors. The participation of 2019 SPL champions Brunei DPMM has yet to be confirmed, with their scheduled return to action – against Hougang United on Oct 25 –postponed, and no indication if the Brunei side will show up to face the Sailors at the Bishan Stadium on Wednesday (Oct 28).

    “The whole league can’t just sit and wait, we have to prepare, we have to plan, we have to organise training venues and sessions. How can we do that if we don’t know if we’re going to play?” said a frustrated Aurelio.

    “It’s so uncertain and something needs to be done immediately.”

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    Fit-again Adam Swandi hungry for more as Sailors set sights on unbeaten Albirex

    There were 62 minutes on the clock at the Bishan Stadium when the assistant referee held up the electronic board to signal the entry of jersey no. 27. And the long wait was finally over.

    The Lion City Sailors’ 4-0 victory over Geylang International in the Singapore Premier League last weekend marked Adam Swandi’s successful return to competitive action, after 15 months away due to a serious knee ligament injury.

    For the talented midfielder, there was no better feeling than being back on the pitch doing what he loves most, especially after what was a tough rehabilitation process.

    “There were a lot of things going through my mind when I was preparing to come on. I was definitely worried, but the strongest feeling was the excitement to return to playing competitively,” said the 24-year-old, who thoroughly enjoyed his 30-minute run out.

    “It went as well as I could have hoped: We dominated the game and managed to get all three points. It definitely felt like all the months in rehab paid off because it was such a long period, with disruptions to the process too, during the Circuit Breaker.”

    Adam is now hell-bent on going a step further and secure a starting berth. But he is aware that the league’s requirement of at least three Under-23 players in the starting eleven, and the sheer number of quality attackers in the Sailors ranks mean he may have to bide his time.

    “Of course, my main target this year is to go back to the levels I was at before, and I think I will definitely get my opportunity. That’s when I have to capitalize and show that I am worthy of a starting position, or at least be a regular sub for the club,” said the former FC Metz trainee.

    “I know the U23 ruling will affect the decisions made by the coaches, but I’m determined to do my best in the hope that I’ll be given an important role in the team.”

    So far Adam is enjoying life under the experienced Aurelio Vidmar, noting that the Australian is not just a ‘one-way’ coach.

    “He’s someone who’s open to a lot of options and changes. He’s not the kind who says something and everyone has to just do it. To me, that’s a very good approach in modern football and we’re learning a lot from him every single day,” said Adam.

    After the euphoria of a first win, the Sailors have to buckle down – they next face second-placed Albirex Niigata (S) in the SPL on Saturday evening.

    The Japanese satellite club are one of the two remaining unbeaten sides – along with Brunei DPMM – and are the current league’s top scorers with 12 goals from four matches.

    Adam, of course, knows the White Swans well, having spent a year with Albirex in 2018 where he was part of that all-conquering squad that went the entire season undefeated en route to clinching the league title. Albirex made a clean sweep of all domestic titles on offer, winning the Community Shield and the Singapore Cup.

    “It was memorable not to lose a game all season, but it wasn’t as beautiful as it looked,” he reflected. “From the outside, it seems like everything is just very flowery. But there was huge pressure because all the players and staff had stated the goal was to win all games.

    “I remember when we had our first draw of the season, it felt like a loss and felt like as if we had lost the title altogether.”

    But the year provided win after win for Adam, including one on the personal front. His excellent performances won him the Young Player of the Year award.

    Adam readily acknowledged that his spell with Albirex taught him huge lessons and also helped him mature as a player.

    “The key takeaways for me was to take every training session as a match and to always fight to be the best player in the team in your position – that’s the mentality that Albirex instilled in me,” he said.

    “Every year, the players that come into Albirex Singapore are very driven in their mindset because they know this is the stepping stone for them to achieve bigger things in their professional careers.”

    The bulk of that 2018 Albirex squad has since either returned to Japan to play in the lower leagues or are plying their trade in other parts of the world. Only four from that team are still playing in Singapore.

    Utility man Hiroyoshi Kamata is the only one still on the books of the White Swans and is now into his fifth season in Singapore. Centre-back Kaishu Yamazaki is now reunited with Adam at the Sailors, while forward Shuhei Hoshino is now with Balestier Khalsa.

    “Hiro’s a super versatile player who can play anywhere. He’s physically small, but he makes up for it with his tireless runs and he’s just everywhere on the pitch. He is very unselfish and a brilliant team player,” analysed Adam.

    “As for Kaishu, it feels good now that we’re in the same team again because that year we enjoyed a good connection. He was the left-sided centre back and I was playing left wing, so he played some great long balls to me,” Adam recalled.

    “Although we haven’t played together for the Sailors yet, once we get the opportunity, I’m sure we’ll be able to show what we’re capable of.”

    It looks like a tough match awaits the Sailors this Saturday, but Adam believes the presence of new Sailors signing Stipe Plazibat could tip the scales.

    “Everyone in this league knows that Stipe is a natural finisher who simply knows how to put the ball into the back of the net,” said Adam.

    “With him in the team, we have got every chance to win. Of course, we must also match Albirex’s hunger and it’s important we perform on the day.”