Wage-deprived AI still playing as a unit

Air India are still to be paid their three-month salary. And yet they have been playing with an unmistakable intensity. The Mumbai side will take on Shillong Lajong in their 14th round of the I-league at the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex on Saturday.

“They are playing well and are combining nicely as a unit,” said Santosh Kashyap, Air India head coach. “They have been playing without pay for the third month now, but when it comes to football they have been delivering,” he added.

On the points table — AI is on 19, while Shillong Lajong stand at 16 — he said, “We don’t believe in looking back. We take each match as we play.”

Shillong coach Pradmyamun Reddy said, “They (Air India) are a good side despite the salary setbacks. It means these boys are extremely keen to deliver.”

Shillong had lost to defending champions Salgaocar in their away match in Margao. But Reddy is confident that his boys will play their best game to get maximum points.