If he wanted to play safe, Derrick Pereira could have so easily turned down an offer from relegation-threatened Churchill Brothers SC and stayed at home till the end of season.For someone who finished at the bottom with DSK Shivajians last season – for inexplicable reasons – and saved relegation for Salgaocar FC on the final day the previous year, it just didn’t make sense to pick up another relegation fight, especially with a team that is clearly lacking firepower and short on preparations.Why would someone who has won a historic double with Mahindra United, came close to winning I-League with Pune FC and Salgaocar FC, and is considered among the better coaches in business, put his neck on the block?“I knew this was a tough job. I knew what I was getting into. But football is my life and I took up this assignment without asking any questions. My aim is to give my best and let’s see what happens,” said Derrick.So far, it hasn’t looked any good for Churchill Brothers. On Derrick’s return, Churchill conceded five goals and lost 4-5 against Minerva Punjab FC . A week later, Churchill Brothers and Derrick would be better prepared as they tackle DSK Shivajians – who Derrick coached last season – in a crucial I-League encounter at the Tilak Maidan in Vasco on Sunday.“When I analyzed the match (on television), I saw that we had quite a good game, except for our mistakes at the back. We were the better side and were unfortunate to lose. We need to have better understanding at the back and upfront,” said Derrick, who has to wait a while before discovering if Rowilson Rodrigues would be ready for the match, and find a replacement for second-choice goalkeeper Naveen Kumar, who has returned home.Sunday’s clash will be of particular interest to Derrick. He coached DSK Shivajians last season and parted ways when it was believed he would get a chance to steer the newcomers again.Despite their travails last season, many put their money on DSK Shivajians as the dark horses of the I-League. They had experienced, some promising youngsters and a point to prove. But with just two wins from 10 matches, the Pune outfit has lagged behind. Part of it is largely because Shivajians got little time to prepare but it’s also a fact that constant changes in formation and players hasn’t had the desired effect.“There has been a little bit of inconsistency on our behalf. Churchill are looking to improve after every game and like I expect every week, I’m expecting a tough game. We’ve conceded some very sloppy goals very late on,” said DSK Shivajians coach Dave Rogers.“If anybody puts a couple of wins together, then it can propel you to the top three or four and we are looking to get up the table as high as we can,” said Rogers.

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