Guglielmo: My players did their best
Despite a 2-1 loss to Tampines Rovers in the S.League Charity Shield, Etoile manager Guglielmo Arena kept his cool.
By Kelvin Tan
Both sides were keen to kickstart the season by adding the Charity Shield to their trophy cabinet, and it all looked good for the French side when they were awarded a penalty in the 10th minute when Tampines defender, Park Yo Seb fouled Jonathan Justin.
Maxime Belouet converted the spot-kick, but it was clear that the French team were still a team in transition, as the team continued to show flashes of brilliance, yet seemed to struggle physically in the sweltering Singapore heat.
Etoile held on bravely until the 80th minute, but goals from the evergreen Aleksander Duric and Park crushed their resistance to give the Stags their first trophy this season.
However, Guglielmo believes that his side did well against a strong Tampines side.
Speaking to reporters at the post-match press conference, the Italian said: " The players were less fresh than Tampines."
"After 15 days this is the best they could do."
The reigning champions had only begun their pre-season training recently, and had only arrived in Singapore in the last few days having played two friendlies in Bangkok, Thailand last week.
Guglielmo graciously lavished praise on the triumphant Stags, and felt that the continuity in their squad was the key reason for their victory.
"Tampines were second (in the S.League) last year, and their team is unchanged this year", he said.
"We watched six matches of Tampines on video, and they played within expectations."
When asked who he thought was the star performer for his side, the manager was coy, preferring to give praise to the entire team for their efforts.
" The team is the star", he said.
Guglielmo also gave warning to the rest of the S.League who are expecting an easier time against Etoile this season.
"The best team started today", he said, " but we will evolve our side as the season goes on."
If the Italian can get his side organised this well in just half a month, it will be exciting to see what he can do with them in time to come.
Etoile, based at Queenstown Stadium, will play their first game of the Great Eastern Yeo's S.League season away to Geylang United on February 19.