Written By: Kenneth Ho

Geylang International may have crashed out of the StarHub League Cup 2014 semi-finals, but coach Jorg Steinebrunner felt that his team had acquitted themselves well throughout the competition.

The satisfaction stems from the fact that Geylang were unbeaten throughout 380 minutes of play in the tournament, and only bowed out after losing out on penalties to DPMM.

“We played four out of the top five teams in the League Cup and we have never lost, so I think that is something we can take out of it. It demonstrates how far this team has come in the last few months, so credit to the players,” Steinebrunner said.

“It was a good cup tie, and I think despite the ending we saw some good football. At the end of the day, we have to congratulate DPMM for winning the penalties.”

While Steinebrunner was satisfied with how everything went except the penalties, where his team failed to convert any of their spot-kicks, he felt that there was no point playing the blame game as penalties were down to luck.

“If you take away the penalties, then I am very proud of the boys. It was a gutsy performance,” the German added.

“I have no complaints, not many people would have looked at the situation and said it would gone so far. Most would have said this is a straightforward victory for DPMM tonight and that’s where they have underestimated Geylang.”

DPMM were frustrated by Geylang for most part of the game, as the Wasps found it hard to break down the Eagles’ defence.

DPMM coach Steve Kean acknowledged that, as he complimented the opponents for putting up such a stern test each time the teams met this season.

“It was not only this game, it was the same in the two league games as well where there was not really not much separating the two sides (both league ties have ended in draws), and I said to Jorg Steinebrunner after that he has got a really organised side, it was hard to beat them,” Kean stated.

“When it got to extra time, we were the teams that were trying to win the game and I thought they were quite happy to get to penalties.”

Having reached his first final as DPMM’s coach, Kean exuded confidence and declared that his team was raring to clinch their third League Cup in the club’s history.

However, Kean was keen to add that his team had to remain in check and not be complacent, as fellow-finalist Tanjong Pagar United have improved in leaps and bounds since the start of the tournament as compared to their form in other competitions.

“Any game is hard, especially in the final, you never know how people are going to react,  they get nervous and twitchy but we are a good side, and we will prepare for the game by analysing the side,” Kean shared.