Vincenzo Alberto Annese: Journey will be hard but exciting for future

The NorthEast United boss also shared the positives from the FC Goa game.

Vincenzo Alberto Annese’s second game in-charge on the sidelines for NorthEast United saw the Highlanders put up a much improved performance against FC Goa at the Fatorda. After conceding two goals in quick successions, NorthEast United looked better and even scored a late goal.

But, despite a better performance, their losing streak extends to 10 matches as FC Goa handed them a 2-1 defeat. A defeat in Goa means NorthEast United have lost against all the clubs this season.

After the game, head coach Vincenzo Alberto Annese addressed the media.

Thoughts on the game

The Italian head coach began by sharing his thoughts on the game. Vincenzo said that his team needs to work on a few aspects and can do better.

“We conceded two early goals and they created problems. We weren’t able to man mark them and we need to work on it. It’s the quality that we need to work on and it will be better. The effort of the boys was so good. We know that Goa keeps possession and I believe that we can do better and need to focus on our game."

He further went on to say that the journey moving forward will be tough but exciting. 

“We need to focus on our playing XI and we will go forward in the better way. The journey will be hard but exciting for the future. I believe I can do better for my team against ATK Mohun Bagan,” he said.

Process 

It was the new head coach’s second game in charge. When quizzed about how well does he think that the players have adapted to his process, Vincenzo said, “The process is still going on. We need to be aggressive and press more and how giving more space to the opposition is costly. Today, we did good improvement from the last game. We need to run more into the spaces, create more spaces. 

“We need to work on simple crosses and it’s important to believe in this. It will be okay for the future,” he added.

Positives to take away

Although it ended up in a defeat for the Highlanders in Goa, there’s so much they can be proud of. They defended really well and even looked lively in attack. Vincenzo Alberto Annese shared his positives from the game and said that the players played the way he wanted and even ran more.

“It’s positive that we attacked through the middle. We ran more. If you look at the GPS, some players ran 15-16 kms. Many players have a cramp because I forced them during the week and I believe that with hard work we can improve. It’s also important to improve our players physically,” he signed off.