Singapore Premier League: Title showdown

Battle of hotshots

Even Sailors star Lopes often doesn't start owing to strength in depth and rotation policy

In six of their last nine games, the Lion City Sailors have been leaving their $2.9 million asset - playmaker Diego Lopes - on the bench.

But, as they stand on the brink of clinching their first Singapore Premier League (SPL) title as a privatised club with a good win over Balestier Khalsa at Jalan Besar today, Sailors coach Kim Do-hoon insisted this decision is more for a healthy squad rotation that has come good.

In an interview with The Sunday Times, he backed his players and provided an insight to his team selection, which includes having to cope with the rule of starting with three local under-23 players.

"We have immense quality throughout the team and this allows me to rotate the squad without concern," he explained.

"Previously, there was not much rotation, which caused issues when the starters were injured. As such, I want to ensure all players can be readily called upon."

On the back of a nine-game unbeaten run as they surged to the top on goal difference, Kim's approach makes sense when one considers the abundance of talent.

Their star-studded front line boasts last season's top scorer Stipe Plazibat, Player of the Year Gabriel Quak, and 2019 Player of the Year Faris Ramli. In midfield, they have Shahdan Sulaiman, Song Ui-young and Young Player of the Year Saifullah Akbar.

Further back, national captain Hariss Harun partners Brazilian giant Jorge Fellipe in defence with Hassan Sunny in goal.

But with the historic price tag comes big responsibilities.

It has been a mixed bag for Lopes, who became the Singapore Premier League's most expensive player when he was signed from then-Portuguese top-tier side Rio Ave in January.

He does have five goals, which include a hat-trick in the 8-0 drubbing of Geylang International, and five assists in 18 appearances, of which 10 were as a starter.

This output is similar to his best season in Portugal where he notched six goals and four assists in 30 games for Rio Ave in the 2019-20 season.

At his best, Lopes draws gasps from the crowd with his skilful touches and silky turns, but his waifish 1.71m, 66kg frame sometimes gives the impression he does not provide the same level of intensity as some of his teammates.

With the glut of talent in the squad, Lopes has started just twice since Kim's first game in charge in July, as Song Ui-young worked his way back into the reckoning with some dynamic displays of late.

Having arrived from a more competitive environment, the 27-year-old Brazilian understands how professional football works.

Lopes said: "In my first season here, I think I have done well to adapt and be productive. We are fighting for the title and our fate is in our own hands.

"No player likes to be on the bench... it is difficult. But I respect the coach's decision and always try to improve in every training session and do my best on the field."

Song also attested to the strong team spirit under Kim, sharing how the coach has introduced little details to improve cohesion as players and officials will high-five one another before sessions, and shout bagsu (Korean for clap) and clap three times when they end.

The 27-year-old has been at the club, including predecessors Home United, for 10 seasons and desperately wants his first league winner's medal. He said: "We always had a good mix of imports and national players over the years, but never got close to winning the league...

"Diego's arrival provided me with strong competition this season, but this should be normal if we want to be in a strong team playing for trophies.

"Our condition is good, and morale is high. We know it is not over yet, and we will prepare for Balestier like it is a final."

TODAY'S FIXTURES

Sailors v Balestier

Jalan Besar Stadium, Singtel

TV Ch111, 5pm

Tg Pagar v Albirex

Jurong East Stadium, Ch113, 5.20pm

Tampines v Geylang

Our Tampines Hub

Hougang v Young Lions

Hougang Stadium

All matches at 5.30pm

STANDINGS

P W D L F A Pts

1 Sailors 20 13 6 1 55 20 45

2 Albirex 20 13 6 1 46 15 45

3 Hougang 20 10 4 6 47 37 34

4 Tampines 20 7 5 8 47 50 26

5 Tg Pagar 20 5 6 9 32 45 21

6 Balestier 20 5 4 11 33 48 19

7 Geylang 20 6 1 13 32 51 19

8 Young Lions 20 3 4 13 23 49 13

TITLE SCENARIO

The Sailors, with a superior goal difference of +35 to Albirex's +31 and more goals scored (55 to 46), will be champions as long as they can match Albirex's result against Tanjong Pagar. To retain their title, Albirex need to better the Sailors' result against Balestier and win by five more goals if Lion City also win. "

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on October 10, 2021, with the headline Battle of hotshots. Subscribe