ISL Season 8: NorthEast United played out a 1-1 draw against FC Goa in their latest Indian Super League clash. The Highlanders took the early lead via Hernan Santana freekick but Airam Cabrera came up with a fine header to restore parity for the Gaurs. Follow all the ISL 2021-22 LIVE Updates only on InsideSport.IN
NorthEast United are winless since their 2-0 win over SC East Bengal on 17th December. They are currently without a win in four matches. So head coach Khalid Jamil was visibly a little frustrated at the post-match press conference.
FULL-TIME | #FCGNEU@FCGoaOfficial looked the dangerous of the two sides but @NEUtdFC hold on for a point! 🔥#HeroISL #LetsFootball pic.twitter.com/ZCnZrq0GET
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) January 14, 2022
Reflection on the game
When questioned whether he thought that draw was a fair reflection of the game or not, Khalid Jamil pointed out how his team could have bagged all three points. He highlighted how FC Goa were also missing multiple players and felt it was a great chance for them to bag a win.
“Looking at the situation, I think it was a fair result. But I think three points would have been much happier for us because looking at FC Goa they are also missing some players. They were not defensively up to the mark as their foreigner was not present. They also missed their captain, so I think it was a good opportunity for us to collect all three points. We took the early good, Hernan (Santana) scored a good freekick. So I think we had enough chance to secure all three points,” Khalid Jamil began at the post-match press conference.
Better defensive display
NorthEast United have conceded nine goals in their last three league matches. However, against FC Goa they only conceded once and Jamil feels that it is surely an improvement from the last few matches. He credited his entire backline and defensive midfielders for the effort and feels that it is a performance on which they can build in future.
“I think today they were much better. They tried, especially (Provat) Lakra and Gurjinder (Kumar) played really well. Gurjinder started after a long time and delivered a good performance. Even (Patrick) Flottmann and Mashoor (Shareef) were also decent. Sehnaj Singh and Hernan (Santana) also did well defensively. So overall we did defend well and held our shape nicely. We will be looking to continue with rhythm,” Jamil asserted.
When quizzed about the mantra of getting back to winning ways, the NorthEast United head coach replied, “We need to concentrate and keep working hard and the results will come.”
Update on injured players
Although they got a point it was not a great outing for the Highlanders as two of their important players got injured. Roccharzela picked up a shoulder injury and could not continue whereas Brown also limped off the field after experiencing some pain. Jamil did not have much insight into their condition but hoped that they recover quickly.
“Both Deshorn (Brown) and Chhhara (Roccharzela) picked up serious injuries. Chhara got a serious shoulder injury. I hope he recovers quickly. I don’t know about their status, I will speak to the doctor and know more about their condition.”
Thoughts on new signings
Lastly speaking on new signings Marcelinho and Marco Sahanek, the Indian tactician added how these players will be valuable assets for the Highlanders as they are already missing many players due to injuries.
“I hope they come soon because we need them. We have had injuries all throughout the season. They are experienced players and they will take up major roles and hopefully, it will be good for up,” Khalid Jamil signed off.
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