Don't like to talk about players who can't help us, says Marco Balbul on Sylvester Igboun's exit

The head coach also praised Jamshedpur FC's infrastructure.

NorthEast United will take to the field for their fourth Indian Super League (ISL) 2022-23 encounter against Jamshedpur FC come Sunday. Marco Balbul's side will want to put their disappointing run of performances behind their back when they pay a visit to the JRD Tata Complex this weekend.

Jamshedpur FC are also going through a bad patch and are yet to win their first game of the season. They find themselves 10th on the table, just one place above their opponents.

Ahead of the vital clash, NorthEast United FC’s head coach Marco Balbul and defender Aaron Evans addressed the media. Here's what they said.

Thoughts on the game

Both NorthEast United and Jamshedpur FC find themselves in not so good positions on the points table. Balbul shared his thoughts on the game and said that his team is not satisfied with their performance and can do better.

“First of all, we are very frustrated and not satisfied with our team’s result. We did not expect this and we should be better in defence to avoid mistakes and score the chances in attack. We are focused on our game and will be better to get our first points,” he asserted.

Mood in the camp

NEUFC’s Nigerian forward Sylvester Igboun left the club citing personal issues last week. When asked if he thinks that this will affect the team’s morale in any way, Marco Balbul replied saying that his side is motivated and focused for their next game.

“I don't like to talk about players who cannot help us. We don't have to focus on this and be focused on our game. We are motivated and preparing for tomorrow’s game,” he said.

Read: Breaking: Nigerian forward Sylvester Igboun leaves NorthEast United

Team News

The head coach further shared his team news and said that Provat Lakra remains the only absentee and is yet to recover from his ligament tear. He said, ”We lost Lakra in the beginning of the season with a ligament injury. Rest we will know tomorrow,”

Pressure from away fans

Jamshedpur FC have one of the best fan bases throughout the country and usually fill their stadium. When quizzed about how will his side look to tackle the crowd pressure, the Israeli head coach said that his players are good enough to handle the same and get the job done.

“Jamshedpur FC has an excellent squad with a very good coach and great fans. But, in football everywhere there is pressure, be it Goa, Kerala. We have players who can handle the pressure. We’ll be facing a very good team tomorrow, but we can do our job and go back with points to Guwahati,” he replied.

Jamshedpur’s Infrastructure

The defending league winners are the only club who are self-reliant in every aspect. Marco Balbul was asked about his thoughts on Jamshedpur FC’s infrastructure. In reply he said, “We arrived just yesterday in the evening. It’s a long journey from Guwahati to here. We haven't seen much yet, but the stadium is excellent, the grass and training pitches are good. Yes, they have a good facility. But if you come to Guwahati, we also have good facilities.”

FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup

The nation is currently hosting the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. The head was asked about his opinion on how this tournament can help Indian Football moving forward. He said that this tournament is a good opportunity to develop the game in the country.

“It's a very good opportunity to improve football in India. The facilities and infrastructure will be better. The vision of the association to progress football is in a good and positive way. And this tournament will help them going forward,” he concluded.

Game against Jamshedpur

The Aussie defender Aaron Evans was asked about his feelings on playing against Jamshedpur FC. He said that he’s looking forward to it and his team is highly motivated.

“I am personally looking forward to the game. The facilities have been comfortable for us. We have worked for 8-9 days between our last game to come here to Jamshedpur. All the players are ready, motivated and excited to improve and progress with our gameplays,” he signed off.