The Kochi 5s made a memorable comeback against Chennai 5s in the final quarter of the match in the Premier Futsal League to qualify for the semi-finals. Moraes and Chaguinha scored quick goals in the last ten minutes before Falcao put Chennai ahead again. However, Chaguinha again found the back of the net in the dying minutes of the game to take them through to the semi-finals.
Kochi 5s captain, Michel Salgado praised his team’s effort after the game and believes his side showed great mentality and character to make a remarkable comeback.
The Spaniard said: “We showed tremendous fighting spirit. Not many counted on us at the start of the tournament. We were short of players and had to play them accordingly to keep them fresh.
“I think we have got something special. Our strength is our mentality. We’re fighting together, and we believe in ourselves, and we never give up until the last minute.
“We had a disallowed goal yesterday. Today against the odds, and against a great team with amazing players. We kept fighting after going two goals down. We won it and finally we’re through. I have to praise my teammates, and they’re fighting for the ball always.”
Also read: How Michel Salgado’s inspirational leadership might lead Kochi to the Premier Futsal title
The Real Madrid legend also explained why he is still motivated to win more trophies in his career, despite already having won everything at Real Madrid.
He said:“The only thing I can bring now is my experience and winning spirit. I played in Real Madrid for 11 years and won everything. I learned at Real Madrid to never give up and win. That’s what I try to bring to our team and my teammates. That shows I’m not coming here just for holidays. I’m coming here to try to win.”
Salgado also says he wants to enjoy his team's fantastic result and isn’t thinking about the semi-finals against Goa yet. He believes the game against Goa will be very difficult because they’re playing at home, but that will only motivate his team.
“I’m not thinking about the semi-finals yet. I’m just enjoying today’s game, and what we have done so far because we were in a very difficult group. Now we just have to recover physically, because we’re playing so many games.
“We love another challenge against Goa in the semi-finals because they play at home, and it’s going to be very very difficult. Everything will be against us, but we’re used to it. That’s what motivates us.”
