Best way to answer my critics is by scoring goals, says Darryl Duffy
Scottish striker dedicates goals to his family
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Darryl Duffy after scoring his first goal against Shillong Lajong at Rabindra Sarobar on Friday. Image Source: Xtra Time[/caption]
Kolkata: Mohun Bagan's Scottish marksman Darryl Duffy pumped in a brace to power his team to a 2-0 win over Shillong Lajong FC, their second successive win that took them to the top of the I-League table on Friday. Duffy, who was criticised after his performance in the Calcutta League, answered his critics in style. There were rumours that the Mariners may not retain him after the Calcutta League.
“I don’t care about rumours. Best way to answer my critics is by scoring goals. I always try and give the best for my team. I have always said I want to win the I League. For three years I have consistently been scoring goals. If the people want to criticize me after seeing me for two months in the Calcutta League, they are welcome to criticize me. I doubt they know anything about football,” said Duffy while talking to the media in the mixed zone after the match.
On being reminded about his performance in the Calcutta League, Duffy said, “Calcutta League for me was just coming and helping the young players. So, I don’t know why I was getting the criticism any way.”
The Scottish player has been consistent with his goal scoring in the last two seasons in I League. He did not hide his ambition to score a lot many goals this season for the Mariners.
“I am expecting more goals as I am playing in a better team which is chasing the title. So, I am expecting more goals.”
He attributed the win towards a team performance. According to Duffy, “It was a team performance today. Debjit , Anas, Souvik , Katsumi , we have all performed as a team. It wasn’t about me. It was about Mohun Bagan.”
Bagan coach Sanjay Sen will be relieved to see both Duffy and Balwant scoring in the first couple of matches. Duffy himself looked satisfied to be on the scoring list for his team. “It’s good that we have both scored in the first couple of matches. It is a very positive sign for us,” said Darryl about Balwant.
Mohun Bagan officials signed Duffy for the I League only after getting the nod from Coach Sanjay Sen. According to the Bagan coach, “I have taken Duffy as I always felt he could be very helpful for my side. I proposed Duffy’s name in place of Glen. There was criticism from certain sections, while many ruled him out, but I always had the confidence that he will come well. I want him to keep scoring for us till the end of the League.”
The gaffer reckons it was a convincing win today. According to Sanjay Sen, “It’s good to score in excess of one goal but it is even better not to have conceded a goal. I always try and give emphasis about not letting in a goal. If we concede a goal, we must be prepared to fire in two goals. I would say it was a convincing win for us. As I have said earlier our aim will be to get full 9 points from our three home matches which will give us the confidence ahead of the two away matches.”
