Written by: Phoon Jia Hui

Tanjong Pagar United sauntered to a 4-0 win over Albirex Niigata (S) as they got their StarHub League Cup campaign off to a winning start in a Group A match at Queenstown Stadium on Monday evening.

Speaking after the game, Tanjong Pagar coach Patrick Vallee could not hide his delight but wanted to remain grounded despite the victory.

“Sure, I’m delighted with both the result and performance. We played to the game plan and we did very well in scoring four goals today which is very good,” he said.

“I need to congratulate my team tonight, they wanted to win and showed very good football. We have played like this many times during the season but results have not gone our way but tonight it has. I’m very happy for the team.

“I will stay humble, we still have one more game, we must try to do our best to try reach the quarter-finals which is our objective.”

Skipper Ahmad Latiff in particular impressed as he scored one and had a hand in another two goals.

Describing Latiff’s performance as ‘strong’, Vallee added that it was a collective effort rather than an individual one.

“Yes, he [Ahmad Latiff] scored one and made the penalty and also created Etiemble’s goal but I’m not surprised,” the Frenchman stated.

“I put him as a striker because we have decided that the League Cup is the last competition for us to enjoy the game to try play without pressure. I’m very happy for him and the team. Everyone did their part to win the game tonight, not only Latiff but all the players who played.”

Vallee’s counterpart, Tatsuyuki Okuyama was on the other hand clearly disappointed but vowed to improve.

“I think we have learnt many things from Tanjong Pagar today,” said the 38-year-old.

“We are trying to improve the defence, but of course today’s game there are good points and bad points. For the good points, we will do better and as for the bad points we will improve on them.

“Even though we only have two days to prepare [for our next game against Police SA], but i want our players to learn from this game and improve for next game.“