S.League: All smiles at Geylang

HARIMAU MUDA B vs GEYLANG

It is two games into his term at Bedok Stadium and, while the signs are positive, Jorg Steinebrunner is not getting carried away.

The German's appointment as Geylang International head coach has had an instant effect on the team.

The Eagles lost their first three games in this season's Great Eastern-Yeo's S.League, but since Steinebrunner took over the reins from V Kanan, they have collected four points in their last two games.

The Eagles will go into tonight's encounter against Harimau Muda B with a spring in their step, as they look to continue their revival.

Speaking to The New Paper ahead of their trip to Pasir Gudang, Steinebrunner said: "Beside the two results, it's the performance that has been most encouraging.

"The biggest change in the players has been their attitude, the body language is better, they are playing with more enthusiasm, more purpose and teamwork.

"To put it simply, the boys are enjoying their football again."

Malaysia's developmental side Harimau Muda B are rooted to the bottom of the 12-team S.League table with nothing to show for after five games.

Many expect the Eagles to come away with a win tonight, but Steinebrunner is not demanding victory from his men.

"I don't demand that we go out and win games, all I ask for - and this is what I've told the players - is that they give 100 per cent every time.

CONSISTENT

"Sometimes you play poorly and manage to get points but, if you perform well and do that consistently, the results will come," he said.

"And I am sticking to that line of thinking."

Steinebrunner took over Woodlands Wellington in 2006, and turned them into a tight unit that was difficult to break down.

His Rams side had a penchant for turning it on during cup competitions, winning the inaugural League Cup in 2007, and making the semi-finals of the Singapore Cup for two straight years.

He has his eye on working the same magic at Geylang.

"Credit to the boys, they've followed our game plan and the defence is much tighter. Now we have to work on how we play when we get the ball," he said, pointing to Geylang's 1-1 draw with title-chasing Brunei DPMM.

"And yes, I do like cup competitions," added Steinebrunner, grinning.

INJURY

Some have called Steinebrunner lucky, claiming he stepped into the club just as administrative issues were being ironed out and players were returning from injury.

He is not bothered.

"(The return of players from injury) has had an impact but, without the other players on the pitch showing more commitment, determination and desire, we wouldn't have managed it.

"In football, you can write your own luck, if you put in the hard work," he insisted.

A victory over the Malaysian side will see Geylang go level on points with sixth-placed Home United, but Steinebrunner is under no illusions that a positive result tonight will solve all the problems at the club.

"Now we have started to realise that we do have a good team, with good players. But let's be realistic, we're not going to challenge for the title this year. The plan is to stabilise the club," he said.

"In the last three months, there has been a lot of negativity surrounding the club, on and off the field.

"The aim is to achieve some sort of stability."

shamiro@sph.com.sg

This article was published on April 3 in The New Paper.

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