Delhi Dynamos will get ‘the bullet man’ back in the side as it looks to outgun the defending champion and the home favourite Atletico de Kolkata here in an ISL tie at the Salt Lake Stadium on Thursday.
Roberto Carlos, who has earned the sobriquet for his lethal free-kicks and being the most aggressive left-back in the world, confirmed his fitness and the desire to turn out for Dynamos after an injury break.
“I am planning to be on the pitch in every match for my team from now on. I have recovered from the pain in the leg and would like to aid the midfield than being there in my usual left-back position as the field is too big for me,” said the 42-year-old marquee player-manager of Dynamos.
Carlos’s announcement became significant as the Dynamos look to regroup after the 2-0 loss they suffered against Mumbai City FC barely a week ago. The Delhi side, which failed to make the knockout stage in the inaugural season, is eager to turn things around this time under the stewardship of the World Cup-winning Brazilian.
Dynamos are currently placed fourth with nine points from five matches, winning three and losing two.
The home side, under Spanish coach Antonio Habas, searched for balance and rhythm to regain its winning form after back-to-back reserves for the first time in the history of the tournament.
Habas, who got the team to the title last season, mainly by preserving the shape and consistency of the side, is feeling the heat as the opponents appear better prepared in the second season.
Habas is bothered by injuries to key players like striker Helder Postiga and his strength in defence, Josemi.
The injuries are serious on both the players and the home side could say little about the date of their return. Names like Arata Izumi and Arnab Mondal too are in the injury list and that makes things more difficult for the home side.