Vincenzo Alberto Annese: We need to change the mentality

The NorthEast United tactician also praised the ATK Mohun Bagan side and their manager.

NorthEast United will begin their second half of the ISL 2022-23 season with a hope to turn things around as soon as possible. The Highlanders will begin the leg by hosting their neighbours ATK Mohun Bagan at Guwahati, in the second match of this week’s double header. The home side come into the game following a 2-1 defeat to FC Goa last week away from home meanwhile, the Mariners come into the game following a goalless draw against Odisha. Vincenzo Alberto Annese will be keen to get his first points on board against the opposition he has already defeated once during his Gokulam Kerala days.

Here’s what the head coach had to say ahead of their next game.

How much has the team adapted to your style?

It’s been more than two weeks since the Italian has taken over the hot seat at NorthEast United. Changes have been visible and when quizzed about how has the team coped up to his style of play, Vincenzo said the team has improved a lot since his arrival.

“For sure, we have improved a lot in this period, specially they try to understand my philosophy to work hard. Before it was different, now we try to improve in all aspects. The guys give a great effort to me. It’s all about results to convince them to work hard for the future."

He further went on to praise his players for their sheer hard work and commitment.

“I believe every coach has a specific job to do and I think I’m positive for the future. Their commitment and behaviour is amazing. We need to consistently train hard and change the mentality.” 

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The head coach also gave an update on his squad and said that all the players are injury free.

“For now, all the players are available and we just need to focus more on the physical condition because a lot of time the players look fit, but they are not able to perform. I prefer only the players who are fit to play for 90 mins,” he asserted.

Thoughts on ATK Mohun Bagan

Vincenzo Alberto Annese then shared his thoughts on his next opponents ATK Mohun Bagan. He said that they are one of the best teams in the league and have a really good coach. But he has already defeated them once and will try to replicate the same tomorrow.

“They are one of the best teams. I’ve already faced them five months back with Gokulam Kerala FC and we won 5-2. They have amazing players. What I like most about this team are their midfielders who are everywhere. 

“They have a Spanish coach and I faced him twice and he’s a young coach, but has a great mind. They like to rotate positions and it would be a hard game, but we also have the quality." 

He also said that changing the mentality and scoring first is also one of things that need to be implemented.

“I hope to get a different kind of approach from the game tomorrow. We have never scored first in 10 games and it is mentality problem that we need to resolve.”