Category: News
Aleksandar Ranković’s Lion City Sailors will lock horns with Albirex Niigata (S) at the Jurong East Stadium on Sunday (16 July) in a match that could shape the destiny of the Singapore Premier League (SPL) title.
And the brief is simple: win.
Albirex currently lead the nine-team SPL table with 41 points, ahead of second-placed Tampines Rovers on goal difference, with the Sailors two points adrift of the pair, on 39 points. The White Swans have a game in hand over both teams.
Both sides come into this after disappointing outings against the resilient Brunei DPMM: Albirex were held to a 1-1 draw last Saturday, while the Sailors suffered a 3-1 midweek loss that set Aleksandar Ranković’s men back in what is setting up to be an enthralling title race.
Despite the DPMM setback, Sailors midfielder Hami Syahin believes the Sailors can still win the league.
“It is important that we stay together as a team, and what I mean is that we cannot give up because the title race is not over until the season ends,” said the 24-year-old.
“Coach Ranko has already told us to focus on the next game against Albirex, and that’s what we are going to do. We will not dwell on the past, but instead focus on the task ahead.”
And there is already a fiery motivation in the Sailors’ dressing room ahead of this important clash.
“It was hard for us after the DPMM game because we firmly believed that we should have got those three points. And now, we need to go again and perform like we have in previous games and make sure we get the win this Sunday,” said a determined Hami, who has played 17 out of the Sailors 18 SPL games thus far.
“For me, I always want to give my best for the team, to make sure to help them in one way or another, and ultimately get the three points. Honestly, that’s all that matters for me.
“But of course, if I can score or assist, it would be a bonus,” said Hami, chuckling.
Beyond securing three points, this clash carries psychological weight in the title race. A victory for the Sailors over the league leaders would not only close the gap to the top, but also inject renewed confidence into the Sailors.
It is a fact not lost on captain Hariss Harun.
“It is a crucial game, we know just how important it is,” said the 32-year-old. “We will give our best, and our target is simple: to take the three points on Sunday.
“The result against DPMM was not ideal, totally the opposite of what we wanted to achieve. But it is what it is, and we cannot change anything now; we are looking forward to the Albirex game, and it is important that we stay focused.”
“We should not overcomplicate and overthink. Coach Ranko has prepared our ideal approach for the Albirex game, and it is crucial that we stick to the plan and make sure that we are up for the game,” said a serious Hariss.
With only six matches left of the SPL season, Hariss called for his team to take a different mental approach.
“League positions don’t really matter for now. We know that every single game ahead of us is critical, and each point is very important,” he said.
“All we need to concentrate on is winning every match in front of us.”
Three Sailors’ SPL fixtures rescheduled
Three of Lion City Sailors’ remaining Singapore Premier League (SPL) home games at Bishan Stadium have been rescheduled.
Originally penciled in for 23 and 30 July, the Bishan fixtures against Tanjong Pagar United and Balestier Khalsa will be played on Thursday, 20 July and Monday, 31 July instead. This is because the stadium will be utilised as a training venue for the upcoming Singapore Festival of Football.
As part of the Festival, Aleksandar Ranković’s charges will face Tottenham Hotspur in the Tiger Cup. The match will take place on Wednesday, 26 July at the National Stadium.
The season-ending clash against Geylang International has also been moved from 27 August to Saturday, 16 September. This is due to preparation time needed for the Singapore Under-22 team for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Under-23 Asian Cup qualifiers between 6 to 12 September, according to the recommendation from the recent Southeast Asian Games review conducted by the Football Association of Singapore.
The Sailors are currently two points off the top of the SPL, in third position behind Tampines Rovers and leaders Albirex Niigata (S), with six matches left to play.
Lion City Sailors have unveiled midfielder Rui Pires as their third signing in the past week, adding quality to the club’s midfield engine room and strengthening the squad for the upcoming Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League campaign.
With Rui signing a two-year contract and joining the Sailors’ two mid-season signings in defender Bailey Wright and forward Richairo Živković, the Sailors have moved to ensure quality across the spine of the team as the club prepares to embark on its second ACL campaign in September.
Prior to signing up as a Sailor, the 25-year-old Rui plied his trade as a defensive midfielder for FC Paços de Ferreira in the Primeira Liga, the top tier of Portuguese football. Known for his astute positional sense and defensive abilities, the right-footed midfielder has been key in protecting backlines in every team he has played for.
Rui began his journey in the acclaimed youth system of FC Porto, where he progressed through the ranks, featuring prominently in its Under-15, U17, and U19 sides. He was subsequently promoted to Porto’s B side, competing in Liga Portugal 2, the second tier of Portuguese football.
After a successful stint, Rui made a permanent move to French second-tier side Troyes in July 2019. Following two seasons in France and winning the 2020/21 Ligue 2 title, he returned to Portugal on loan with FC Paços de Ferreira before securing a permanent deal.
“Rui could well be the final piece of the jigsaw for us. More than just experience from his time in Europe, Rui’s sharp positioning, anticipation and tackling can be the defensive shield that gives our frontline to attack in the way that we want,” said Aleksandar Ranković, who was appointed Sailors Head Coach in June.
“The ACL is where we will test ourselves against the best in Asia, and to have Rui fit into the spine of our team will give us a good platform to go out there and compete for the results that will put the Sailors on the map of Asian football.”
During his time with Paços Ferreira, Rui demonstrated his capabilities on the European stage, making two appearances in the UEFA Europa Conference League Qualifiers. Notably, he played the full 90 minutes against Tottenham Hotspur in the Qualifying Round 2nd leg, showcasing his composure and skill at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Rui has also captained various age-group teams for Portugal, earning call-ups – and the armband – at the U18, U19, and U20 levels. His standout performances in the UEFA European Under-19 Championship in 2017 led to his inclusion in the prestigious Team of the Tournament.
“I joined the Sailors because I want to be part of a project that has big ambitions and all the right pieces in place: the conditions I see here are like what I see in Europe, with the Training Centre and the system in the Academy. But perhaps more important is that the club has high expectations and clearly wants to win trophies,” said Rui.
“I know the ACL is a tough competition, but from what I have seen in our team, I believe we can do something there, compete and win matches too.”
The Sailors finished with seven points in the club’s maiden journey into the top-tier regional competition last season.
“The Sailors are the best club in Singapore, and the club’s mentality exactly matches my own: I want to keep playing at the highest level, win matches for the Sailors, and I promise you I will keep doing the right things that can help us win titles.”
The Lion City Sailors fell to a 3-1 defeat to Brunei DPMM in an exhilarating clash at the Bishan Stadium on Tuesday (11 July) night, with the defeat knocking Aleksandar Ranković and his charges off course in the hunt for the Singapore Premier League (SPL) title.
But the Sailors head coach was stoic after watching his team put in a battling performance following Bailey Wright’s VAR-enforced 32nd minute sending off on his Sailors debut.
“Nothing changes,” said Ranko, unflinching. “We still have to win all the games and honestly, we are not in a position to look at our opponents.”
The defeat meant the Sailors dropped to third in the nine-team SPL table with 39 points, trailing both Albirex Niigata(S) and Tampines Rovers by two points. Albirex, the Sailors’ next opponents on Sunday (16 July), have a game in hand.
“We started very poorly in the first half and we conceded very easy goals but I have to give compliments to my team after we got the red card for the way they fought,” said the 44-year-old.
DPMM took an early lead through skipper Azwan Ali Rahman finding the back of the net in the 9th minute, and continued to cause problems to a Sailors side who asked several questions of their own.
Just seven minutes later, Shawal Anuar regained possession at the top of the DPMM box with a crafty tackle and sent Maxime striding towards goal and pulling DPMM custodian Kristijan Naumovski off his line. The Belgian’s cutback to Diego Lopes at the top of the six yard box was somehow blocked then cleared.
The Sailors carved out several other opportunities in an opening half that could have been made more comfortable than it was, with Hafiz Nor, Shawal and Maxime presented with glorious opportunities to score. But a combination of profligacy and an inspired Naumovski saw the Bruneians hang on to the lead.
Then came what was perhaps the game-defining moment at Bishan.
Bailey initially received a yellow card after getting tangled with Hanif Farhan who was running through on goal, then appeared to wrestle him to the ground. But after being called for an on-field review, referee Jansen Foo jogged up to the former Sunderland defender and flashed a straight red instead.
“In that moment, I didn’t feel it was a red card. The referees had their decision to make and they looked at VAR and I’ve got to live with that,” said a crestfallen Bailey.
“This is a psychological test for me, and I will overcome it.”
And before the Sailors could settle into their new shape, DPMM capitalised.
Hakeme Yazid doubled their lead just two minutes later, as he broke free down the left before lashing a crisp grounder past Zharfan Rohaizad at his near post.
The Sailors had a golden opportunity to change the complexion of the game just before half-time after captain on the night, Hafiz, was adjudged to have been impeded in the DPMM box. But Sailors’ Belgian wizard Maxime uncharacteristically blazed his spot-kick over the bar.
The home side walked out of the Bishan dressing room and back onto the pitch with a fire in their eyes, and matched that with a battling spirit that delighted the crowd – and half the deficit.
Adam Swandi headed in a Hafiz cross within six minutes of the restart, and it looked like a spirited comeback was well on the cards.
But that momentum was halted in the 65th minute as DPMM restored their two-goal cushion courtesy of Angel Martinez. The Sailors pushed till the end with mid-season signing Richairo Živković coming off the bench for his club debut, but the visitors remained resilient and held on till the final whistle.
A visibly distraught Bailey apologised to his team and the fans, then called for a determination to set things right in the remaining six matches.
“Obviously I am extremely disappointed, when you think of a debut, that’s certainly not something I had in mind. It was extremely frustrating for me, but I will learn from today and make sure this never happens again,” said the Australian international.
“We had chances and moments where we had real fight in the second half and we exhibited grit and determination. We gave it a go and it might have been a different result if we had eleven men out there,” added Bailey.
“We have to quickly pick ourselves up and recover and move on because we have another big game coming up soon.”
That big game is Sunday’s clash against Albirex that will be treated like a cup final, and Ranko will have his charges primed and ready to go.
“We have to prepare well for the next game and of course, we are going to take some things from this game and learn from it,” he said, his brows narrowing.
“It is going to be totally different against Albirex – and I am looking forward to it.”
Lion City Sailors have unveiled forward Richairo Živković as their second signing of the 2023 Singapore Premier League (SPL) mid-season transfer window, adding firepower to the club’s concerted challenge for the SPL title and pursuit of improved performances at the Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) top-tier club competition, the AFC Champions League (ACL).
Joining on a one-year contract, Richairo’s attacking verve provides balance to the defensive solidarity brought to the Sailors by Sunderland cult hero, Bailey Wright, the club’s first signing during the window.
The 26-year-old Richairo won the Serbian league and Cup double with Red Star Belgrade in the 2021/22 season, before returning to the Eredivisie with FC Emmen. It was in the Dutch top tier that Richairo first burst onto the scene, with FC Groningen, scoring 11 goals in 37 appearances as a 17-year-old before signing for Ajax Amsterdam in 2014.
Born in the Netherlands, Richairo plays international football for Curaçao, last turning out for the Dutch Caribbean nation located some 70 km north of Venezuela in a March friendly against Lionel Messi and his FIFA World Cup champions, Argentina.
“Richairo gives us an additional dimension to our attack with his speed and instinctive goal-scoring ability. I’m confident that he will pose big problems to opposition defences and help us get the goals we need in our push for the league title,” said Sailors Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković of his 1.87m new signing.
“He perhaps doesn’t get as much credit for the aerial prowess that he also possesses, and with the top-level football experience he brings from his time in Europe, we’re all looking forward to seeing him pull on the Sailors shirt as soon as possible.”
In addition to turning out for Sheffield United in the English Premier League in 2020, Richairo also has played in the UEFA Champions League with Ajax and Europa League experience with Red Star.
“This is a project with a clear vision all the way from the Academy to the First Team, and that’s one aspect that I really like, and feel that I can get behind – it was easy for me to come to a decision once I found out what the Sailors are about,” said Richairo.
“The Training Centre is a fantastic facility, and I can’t wait to get onto the pitch with my teammates, play some good football, score goals, entertain our fans and win trophies – that’s also why I signed up to be a Sailor.”
Richairo joins a squad already bursting at the seams with European pedigree, alongside Belgian Maxime Lestienne who leads the SPL in goals and assists, former Rio Ave midfielder Diego Lopes, and Wright.
And he is raring to go.
“I’m here to score goals and help the team with my experience. With the solid squad that we have here, I believe we can definitely win the league and do well in the ACL.”
After a 4-0 victory over Young Lions on Friday (7 July) at the Jalan Besar Stadium, the Lion City Sailors will be keen to keep their momentum flowing when they take on Brunei DPMM on Tuesday (11 July) night at the Bishan Stadium.
The Sailors are currently second in the nine-team Singapore Premier League (SPL) table, with 39 points, two behind Albirex Niigata (S), while Tuesday’s opponents, DPMM, are seventh with only 15 points from 17 matches.
But the Bruneians are unpredictable, and the stakes are high. A win would propel Aleksandar Ranković’s men to the top of the table with 42 points before they take on title rivals Albirex on Sunday (16 June), turning the pressure on the Japanese side as the SPL enters the business end of the season.
“DPMM have several key players like Andrei Varankou and Hakeme Yazid – who we need to watch out for because they can cause us problems if we are not careful,” warned Sailors full-back Zulqarnaen Suzliman. “DPMM are also defensively very good: they are very compact when it comes to defending, and it would be difficult to play against them.”
The point the 25-year-old made was underlined on Saturday (8 July), with DPMM frustrating Albirex, holding the defending SPL champions to a 1-1 draw, a result that now presents the Sailors a chance to reclaim the summit, albeit temporarily.
Zulqarnaen and company already have first-hand experience of just what DPMM can do.
The Sailors beat DPMM 3-1 in March in a match that marked the latter’s return to the SPL following the Covid-19 pandemic, but the fast-improving Bruneians secured a 3-3 draw with the Sailors in May.
The Sailors will undoubtedly keep that see-saw match in mind as an important reminder that there can be no room for complacency.
“To get all three points, we have to be very clinical with our chances, maintain high intensity throughout the match, and exploit any gaps in DPMM’s backline,” said Zulqarnaen.
“We are chasing Albirex for the title, so every game from now is like a final – and the objective for every match is the same: go out there and get three points.”
The Singapore international believes that the Sailors are on a positive trajectory, embracing Ranko’s tactical and physical demands, and it is a sentiment shared by custodian Zharfan Rohaizad.
“In the past two games, you can see on the pitch that the team is gelling very well with each other, in the new system and tactics that our coach wants. It has been terrific and I feel we are constantly improving after every training session,” said the 26-year-old.
Zharfan called on his teammates to leverage their recent impressive form and continue to drive towards the goal of leapfrogging Albirex to the SPL summit.
“We are training happy, we are gaining momentum from our past few games, and I’m confident we will continue to grow as a team and give our fans another good result at Bishan,” he said.
The Sailors now have two wins in two games under Ranko, turning in positive performances that showcased a renewed vigour in attack prowess as well as defensive solidity. And with eleven goals scored in the last two games, the team is brimming with confidence.
Zharfan, who recorded his fifth clean sheet of the campaign against the Young Lions last Friday, is grateful for hitting those numbers but asserts that the bigger picture will always be more important.
“For me, a clean sheet is the second most important thing – a bonus – the team always comes first and the main priority is to get the win in every match that we play,” said Zharfan.
“And to stay on track and continue to drive towards the SPL title.”
The Lion City Sailors are delighted to announce Australian centre-back Bailey Wright as the club’s first signing following the appointment of Aleksandar Ranković as Head Coach on 28 June. Bailey joins on a two-year contract, with an option for an additional year’s extension.
The arrival of the 30-year-old marks a significant boost to the Sailors’ defensive capabilities, further strengthening the club’s pursuit of success in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) as well as in the club’s return to the Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) top-tier club competition, the AFC Champions League (ACL).
Bailey joins the Sailors after departing Sunderland, where he was a cult hero of the Black Cats’ faithful during his three-and-a-half years on Wearside. Those years saw Sunderland enjoy much success, winning their first trophy since 1973 as they lifted the 2020/21 Papa John’s Trophy at Wembley, before earning promotion into the English second-tier – the Sky Bet Championship – in 2022.
Bailey made 107 appearances for the Black Cats, regularly captaining the side.
He was a part of Australia’s 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign in Qatar that saw the Socceroos qualify from a group that featured France, Denmark and Tunisia, before falling to Lionel Messi’s Argentina, the eventual tournament winners, in the Round of 16.
“Bailey has a commanding presence in addition to his physicality, tactical awareness, and ability to read the game, and I’m certain he will help the club raise the bar as we compete at the highest levels,” said Ranković, the Sailors’ new man at the helm.
“His presence will bolster our defence, providing a sturdy platform for our challenge for the league title and also as we look to improve on our performance on Asia’s top table. The team and I are looking forward to having Bailey settle in and get started.”
The 1.84m defender is equally eager to kickstart his Sailors journey.
“I’m absolutely delighted to be a part of a club as ambitious as the Sailors, and as well-organised. Everyone at the club has been welcoming, and I’ve had all the support I’ve needed to bed in and get ready to play alongside my new teammates,” said Bailey.
“Everywhere you go, you hope to leave things in a better place than when you first arrived, and that’s exactly what I hope to achieve here in Singapore. I’ve taken in a few games already, and I’m confident that with the coaching staff and the team working hand in hand, we’ll continue to be able to put in performances like we did in the 7-1 win over Tanjong Pagar United.
“With the Training Centre on Mattar Road and the structures in place, the ingredients for success are present for the club to win trophies.”
Bailey is the second recent signing who adds European pedigree to the Sailors’ cause, behind the 44-year-old Ranko, who joined from Dutch top-tier side FC Utrecht, with the pair adding to the experience of former PSV Eindhoven man Maxime Lestienne and Diego Lopes, who signed from Portuguese side Rio Ave in 2021.
The Lion City Sailors made it two wins in two games under Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković, securing a 4-0 win over the Singapore Premier League’s (SPL) cellar dwellers Young Lions on Friday (7 July) night.
The Sailors dominated proceedings at the Jalan Besar Stadium, particularly in a frenetic second half that saw all four goals – three of them courtesy of Maxime Lestienne – hit the back of the Young Lions net, in a result that saw the Sailors maintain their foothold in the title race.
The Sailors are second in the nine-team SPL table with 39 points, trailing league leaders Albirex Niigata (S), who have a game in hand, by a solitary point.
“I’m satisfied with the result,” said Ranko, who paid tribute to a resilient Young Lions side that made things difficult for the Sailors.
“In the first half, we were struggling – and big compliments to the opponents – I think they defended really well. We had to try and open up the game very fast, and we didn’t do that in the first half.”
The opening 45 minutes saw a tightly contested affair, the home side repelling everything that came their way, with Adam Swandi and Diego Lopes failing to convert gilt-edged chances that were fashioned by the effervescent Maxime.
The Sailors’ cause took a hit when forward Abdul Rasaq Akeem limped off in the 24th minute with what appeared to be a hamstring issue, and was replaced by the evergreen Shawal Anuar.
And it could have been worse. Ranko’s charges had custodian Zharfan Rohaizad to thank for keeping the scores level with a combination of good positioning and cat-like reflexes first to save a Harhys Stewart shot, then to turn Syahadat Masnawi’s rebound behind for a corner.
The Sailors came out from the half-time break with renewed determination and stamped their authority on the game.
And it was Maxime who broke the deadlock in the 59th minute, slotting in the rebound after a Shawal shot was blocked.
In the 68th minute, the Belgian wizard doubled the Sailors’ advantage, his crisp left-footed shot off a Shawal cutback sending the Sailors supporters wild.
Shawal put his own name on the scoresheet in the 86th minute, with Maxime turning provider this time. A teasing cross off Maxime’s left boot – the Belgian’s trademark that has become commonplace this season – swerved in from the right flank to find Shawal wide open right in front of goal. And the Singapore international did not disappoint.
Maxime would get his hat-trick two minutes later, pouncing on miscommunication between Kan Kobayashi and Jun Kobayashi to intercept a loose pass and slot past the helpless Aizil Yazid in the Young Lions goal.
His three goals and an assist took Maxime’s to top of the SPL rankings in goals and assists, with 18 goals and 16 assists.
Maxime’s 18-goal haul is his best-ever goal tally in a season, beating his previous record of 17 goals with Club Brugge in the 2012/2013 season. Friday’s three-goal haul was also only his second career hat-trick – the first came in September 2012 in Club Brugge’s 4-0 win over Cercle Brugge.
“We changed the way we built up in the second half, pushed them further with our fullbacks, and pressed them higher when we lost the ball. So this was the biggest change, and the first goal really helped to set the momentum,” said Ranko after the match.
“I was more satisfied with the team’s performance in the second half, and we want to have more of these kinds of goals moving forward,” he said
“For now, I’m happy to have the total squad and everybody fit and ready for the next game.”
The Sailors’ next SPL assignment comes on Tuesday (11 July), when they host Brunei DPMM at the Bishan Stadium.
Aleksandar Ranković and his charges are eager to build on the momentum generated by the resounding 7-1 win against Tanjong Pagar United at the Jurong East Stadium last Saturday (1 July) when they face the Singapore Premier League’s (SPL) cellar dwellers Young Lions at Jalan Besar Stadium this Friday (7 July).
And although their opponents on Friday have only accumulated five points across 16 games, central defender Lionel Tan warned about the threat the Young Lions side can pose and called for his team to take the Young Lions seriously.
“Like any other team in the league, they are coming on the pitch to win, and it is quite evident they have made things troublesome for us for the past two occasions we played against them,” said the 26-year-old.
“On the first occasion, we only managed a draw, and they also made things difficult for us the second time. It is really very important that we go in 100 per cent and adhere to the game plan that coach Ranko has laid out.”
The Sailors drew 1-1 with the Young Lions in April, with the disappointment of failing to capitalise after dominating the game worn on their faces when the full-time whistle was blown.
The second time the two sides met on 10 June, the Sailors won 4-1 in a match that could hardly be called a walk in the park.
It is not uncommon for teams to sit back in a compact block when they face the Sailors, and the Young Lions have adopted a similar approach in those last two games, seemingly happy to sit back, defend and hit on the break.
“We have faith in Coach Ranko’s plans, but even then, patience is the key to help us get the three points when we play against teams like Young Lions. We just have to be very patient and just play our style of football with confidence,” emphasised Lionel.
With eight SPL games left to play, the Sailors trail league leaders Albirex Niigata (S) by four points and are in front of third-placed Tampines Rovers by one point.
While everyone in the dressing room is acutely aware this is a critical period that can define the Sailors’ season, Lionel is adamant that the bigger picture should not fill the minds of his teammates – steering clear of complacency and paying attention to nuances of each game must be the central focus instead.
“We all know how crucial it is moving forward, every single game and every single point matters. If we want to be champions of the league, we have to go and give our best for each game and do our best as a team,” asserted Lionel.
“But we shouldn’t look too far ahead of each game. The important thing is just to go game by game and win each one, because if we can do that, we will put pressure on the league leaders as well.
“We can’t be complacent and we don’t have room to drop any points,” said a serious Lionel.
The Singapore international who scored his first-ever goal for the Sailors against Tanjong Pagar last Saturday, was grateful that he is helping the team on both sides of the field.
“The first goal is always wonderful to get and opening my scoring for Sailors is truly a blessing for me. Even though my primary goal is to help the team in defending, adding in some goals is a good way to contribute also,” he said.
And now, Lionel is hoping for Sailors fans to turn up to Jalan Besar Stadium in force to inspire the team to a fourth straight victory.
“When we played against Tanjong Pagar, it was all the way in the west at Jurong East Stadium, and we heard them loud and clear,” he said.
“They always make the atmosphere in the stadium so lively and energetic, and we’d love to have them and their support to give us the additional energy to perform on Friday.”
In a scintillating encounter at the Jurong East Stadium on Saturday (1 July) evening, Lion City Sailors supporters were treated to a thrilling exhibition of flair and finishing. The Sailors overwhelmed Tanjong Pagar United with their attacking prowess to secure a 7-1 victory in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) – their biggest win margin this season.
The resounding victory marks the start of the Aleksandar Ranković era, with the tactical cohesion and attacking prowess on show suggesting that the wheels are in motion on the evolution and implementation of the Sailors’ football philosophy.
The win also meant the Sailors won three successive matches for the first time in 2023.
“I’m pleased with how we played, especially in the second half, and it is a deserving three points for us. We played exactly how we trained, and the boys stuck to the game plan,” said the former ADO Den Haag head coach.
“I’m not sure if there is any coach in the world who would be 100 percent satisfied and I’m one of them. There are still many things to improve on, but there are several good things that we portrayed today – especially that the boys delivered on the game plan that we prepared – and I’m happy,” said the 44-year-old.
The match commenced with the Sailors dominating possession, even coming close to scoring in the very first minute when Abdul Rasaq Akeem won the ball from the Jaguars’ defence and passed it to Maxime Lestienne, whose placed shot went just inches wide.
Seven minutes later, combative midfielder M Anumanthan showed his technical finesse, providing a delicious outside-of-the-foot pass that slithered through the Jaguars defence and found Maxime, who failed to find the back of the net.
But the Belgian was not to be denied, opening the scoring just a minute later. Anu was once again involved, this time outmuscling the burly Mirko Šugić to win the ball just outside the Tanjong Pagar penalty box before laying it on a plate for Maxime to score his 15th goal of the season.
The goal set the tone for a dominant performance by the away side.
In the 27th minute the Sailors doubled their lead through a well-executed team move, with Rasaq comfortably placing the ball in the net off Maxime’s left flank cross for his ninth of the campaign.
Tanjong Pagar halved the deficit with Faizal Roslan scoring off a 30th-minute corner, and with the Sailors seeming to lose steam, the first half ended with the scoreline locked at 2-1.
Ranko’s Sailors started the second half with a renewed intensity and the home side struggled to contain the Sailors’ offensive onslaught that saw a total of 25 shots peppered onto the Jaguars’ goal, with the Sailors’ finding the net five more times from 12 of those shots that found the target.
Central defender Lionel Tan scored his first goal for the club, Hami Syahin bagged his first of the season, with Shawal Anuar also getting on the scoresheet, while man-of-the-match Diego Lopes bagged a brace in a scintillating performance.
There was a further glimpse into the pipeline of talent coming through the Academy with 19-year-old Nur Muhammad Asis coming on for the last five minutes of the match. The captain of the Sailors Under-21 side gave a good account of himself, with a superb pass to put Haiqal Pashia clean through on the Tanjong Pagar goal.
“We suffered a little lack of concentration after conceding that goal in the first half, but I think we stepped up well in the second half,” said Ranko.
“Before the second half, I told the boys to stick to the plan, and that is exactly what we did, and when you see the team execute exactly what you have prepared for on the training ground, you just feel very proud of them,” added the Sailors’ new man at the helm.
Anu, who made his 40th appearance for the club against the Jaguars, enjoyed the first match in the Ranko era.
“He emphasises a lot on tactical discipline, and we all have a specific role given by the coach so we are all more focused. What we saw today was that we all worked together and followed the game plan, carrying out our tasks sincerely,” said the 28-year-old, who paid tribute to the sensational support the Sailors received from the Jurong East stands.
“The fans were absolutely amazing, they were exceptionally loud today,” said Anu. “My teammates and I are very grateful for their support. Even though it was an away game, many fans came down to support us. The Crew is truly our 12th man and an integral part of our win today.”
The Sailors are now second in the SPL table, on 36 points, four behind league leaders Albirex Niigata (S). Tampines Rovers are third, on 34 points, but with one game in hand over the two teams that sit above them.
While he was pleased with the result – and the ability of his charges to deliver on the gameplan – Ranko was acutely aware to not get carried away.
“I think we shouldn’t focus so much on if we can or cannot catch Albirex, we should be focused only on our performance, and doing everything we can to win every game from now on.”
The Sailors will be back in SPL action on Friday (7 July), facing the SPL’s bottom side Young Lions at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
