Defence the main worry?

ever since the Indian football league began, no winner has had a start as bad as Mahindra United this year.Three losses and an away game with JCT loom for them. That makes the team's task that much more difficult. It could also well be the turning point. That's what coach Derrick Pereira would be hoping when they play the Punjab side in Ludhiana.But for a team that recently won the Durand Cup it is suprising that their performance has dipped so alarmingly. In their opening tie against Churchill Brothers in the I-league their midfield failed and the team conceded two early goals. Against United SC, their defence was in tatters and against Mumbai FC, their strike force was found inadequate as well as their defence looked out of sorts. The form of Chidi Edeh is a worry as he recently just won the golden boot in the Durand Cup, which has perhaps been the biggest factor,but mainly it has been the defence.The answer lies in about 20 heads that have so far played for Mahindra and the one head that is trying to pull his hair out, coach Derrick Pereira. After their third loss, Pereira said he was happy with the performance, not with result. The problem probably lies somewhere in the defence, getting the right men for the right position. Sushant Matthew, who came in as substitute in the United SC game, started as right back against Mumbai FC and did well. Justine Stephen, who had a great Durand Cup, started against Mumbai FC and has justified Pereira's faith. Pereira has probably got the right combination in defence.