Chris Greatwich Weighs in on Winless Run

As training comes to an end, team manager Chris Greatwich settles into the stands. He cuts a relaxed figure, the intensity he exuded in his playing days, and more recently, as a tactician on the sidelines is nowhere to be seen. His demeanor comes as quite a surprise, especially given Kaya FC–Makati’s precarious run of recent results.

It’s been quite some time since his side last tasted victory. Sunday’s defeat to JPV Marikina pushed the club’s winless run to an alarming six games. The team’s last triumph was on July 23, a win that extended a run of five-straight victories in the Philippines Football League. Oh, how things have changed. Greatwich, though, isn’t too bothered by the turnaround.

“I think it’s important that we keep our composure despite the lack of points we’ve accrued over the last six games. Our performances have actually been really good. We’ve struggled in games to find the target, but we haven’t struggled to create chances and opportunities, so in that regard, it’s been quite positive,” he explained.

The numbers, though, don’t tell too comforting of a story. Kaya only managed three points from a potential 18 on offer in the last six outings.

It all began with a 1-1 draw away to Stallion Laguna. That, was followed by a 2-1 defeat to Meralco Manila, a match that included two controversial decisions — a curiously disallowed Jordan Mintah goal, and a non-call on what looked a blatant penalty on Eric Giganto. Next, Ceres Negros won 3-2 at the University of Makati, followed by a 2-2 draw against JPV. August ended with a 0-0 stalemate in Cebu, despite a rather commanding display against Global. The most recent outing was a 1-0 defeat, that saw Marikina survive an onslaught of chances in the second half.

“I think our level of play in a lot of the games has been extremely high, and against some very good opponents. Most of the games where we haven’t picked up points, we’ve actually played to a really high level,” said Greatwich.

“We currently sit second in the table with 32 points. I don’t think it’s time to hit the panic button just yet. We have our own destiny in our hands. So while it’s been a difficult period in terms of points we perhaps missed out on, I don’t think it’s time for us to chuck in the towel just yet.”

With eight matches remaining to secure a spot in top four playoff, Chris’ optimism stems not only from the quality of the team’s performances, but also in his current squad’s character.

“I think the boys have been very positive,” he said. “Even straight after a defeat, the mood in the camp has been really upbeat. The group this year have been really quick to bounce back in training, so the mood around the camp is certainly not one you’d expect given we haven’t won in six games. In that regard, it bodes well for us.”

Kaya Makati supporters will be hoping such optimism will soon translate into results, particularly with the battle for top four contention heating up. It certainly won’t be getting easier, as the club will host tricky encounters against streaking Stallion Laguna and rivals Meralco Manila to cap off September. But before anything, the club makes the grueling journey to Ilocos to face United at the weekend, with the aim of finally returning to winning ways.