New Delhi: Alessandro Del Piero, who was not part of Delhi Dynamos' 4-1 hammering of Mumbai City FC on Friday owing to a stomach bug, could be back for the side's next ISL game against Atletico de Kolkata, said coach Harm Van Veldhoven.
The Dynamos put up a solid performance to outclass Mumbai at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium and though his absence was not much felt, Veldhoven said the Italian World Cup winner's presence could have strengthened the side.
"He (Del Piero) was not there in the team but he could be back for the next match. Even today his presence would have heped in passing the ball in the middle," Van Veldhoven said.
Indicating that his team is not about individuals, the Dutchman said his motto is to "stick together, work together".
Despite the total domination, Veldhovven said he was not very impressed initially.
"There have been many chances. But I think the first 10 minutes we were a bit nervous. I was a little disappointed then. Then we improved gradually and the first goal gave us a lot of confidence. And also the second goal was a very important one for us."
The Dynamos have now jumped to the fifth place from bottom and the coach is looking ahead.
"We have to go on and grab the fourth position now," Veldhoven said.
Striker Mads Junker, who scored one of the four goals, said,"Altogether we played a strong game and at no point we were in trouble."
Mumbai City FC coach Peter Reid was a disappointed man after the hammering.
"For the Delhi side it was too easy. We gave the ball away, our passing was bad. Everything about football we were second best today," Reid said.
He added:"We gave the ball away too much, can't play football like that. We helped them (Dynamos) by giving the ball all the time."
Looking ahead he said,"Hopefully, Nicolas (Anelka) will be back if he is fit and that will be a bonus."
Asked how would he motivate his players after such a result, the coach said,"I think they should motivate themselves. I have been a player and every time I was motivated.
