No panic at Lion City Sailors following back-to-back defeats for the first time since July 2023

SINGAPORE – Despite losing two competitive matches in a row for the first time in over a year, Lion City Sailors coach Aleksandar Rankovic was glad that their latest defeat, a 3-1 loss to Albirex Niigata, had come at this time.

After a trip to Indonesia for their Asean Club Championship group match with Borneo FC ended with a 3-0 loss on Aug 22, the Sailors returned to the Singapore Premier League (SPL), where the second-placed side were beaten by the White Swans three days later.

It was the first time that they had suffered back-to-back losses since July 2023.

When asked if the loss against Albirex, whom they had beaten 7-1 in June, reminded the team not to take things for granted, Rankovic told The Straits Times: “Absolutely, you hit (the nail on the head), that’s exactly what it is. If it has to happen, better happen now.

“If you see the table, it’s… one, two or three points, even if it’s four points (separating teams), that’s nothing compared to how many games we have. So if it had to happen, I would rather have it now.

“Maybe I could have expected (the result) because of the trip (to Indonesia), but still, I think our team should manage those kinds of things.”

Centre-back Lionel Tan admitted that the players were not at their best against Albirex, but stressed that there is no need to panic.

The 27-year-old said: “It’s not nice to have back-to-back losses. I think for us, it’s been a while. (But) the expectation of the club is our priority, and we should try to work hard towards it… and we’re focused on what we can do next.”

The Sailors will be looking to bounce back when they host third-placed Geylang International at Bishan Stadium on Aug 30, but will have to do so without centre-back Toni Datkovic and possibly his defensive partner Bailey Wright.

Datkovic, who has a rib issue, will return after the international break while Wright’s availability is unclear after suffering a concussion against Borneo.

But Rankovic believes the other players can step into the duo’s positions.

He said: “Lionel is one of the good examples, I see him growing and growing. Here and there, he still has to learn a lot of things, but I think he’s one of the guys we’re happy to have.”

Tan, who has played as right-back at times this season, says he is prepared to be deployed in central defence.

He added: “Centre-back is my preferred position, and for me when I’m there, I do what I can and do my best for the team.”

While Geylang have scored the most goals (45) this season, they have won only once in their last five matches.

Coach Noor Ali said: “Tomorrow’s match is just like any other game, we’ll do our best with whatever we have.”

Rankovic will be hoping the injuries do not pile up, given that they have a congested fixture list after September’s international break.

They will have six matches in 20 days as they compete in the SPL, the Asean Club Championship and Asian Champions League 2.

Rankovic added that the next two weeks will be crucial as they ramp up the squad’s physical conditioning.

He said: “When that period is over, it’s (just) play and recover.”

Hougang v Tampines (Aug 30, 7.45pm, Jalan Besar)

Fresh off a two-week break, the Stags are looking to extend their 14-match unbeaten league run against a Cheetahs side who suffered a 3-1 loss to Balestier in their last outing.

Young Lions v Balestier (Aug 31, 6pm, Jalan Besar)

The home team will be full of confidence after beating Tanjong Pagar for their fourth win of the season, but the Tigers are equally motivated following a four-match unbeaten run and may prove too strong for their opponents.

DPMM v Tanjong Pagar (Aug 31, 8.15pm, Hassanal Bolkiah)

A resurgent DPMM side led by new coach Jamie McAllister may be too tough for the Jaguars to handle, especially after recent disappointing performances.