I think I've made positive change, asserts Vincenzo Alberto Annese

NorthEast United will play Kerala Blasters in the next Indian Super League game.

After a long break following a 4-0 defeat to the league leaders, Vincenzo Alberto Annese's NorthEast United FC will make a long trip to the southern coast of the country to play the Kerala Blasters at the JLN Stadium in Kochi. The Highlanders go into the game having lost the reverse fixture earlier this season.

Things have changed Kerala Blasters since the turn of the year. They come into this game on the back of two back to back defeats. The Blasters are currently facing a huge problem as a few key players have sustained long term injuries. Although they sit comfortably in the top four, but things can change anytime.

Ahead of the game against Kerala Blasters, NorthEast United’s head coach Vincenzo Alberto Annese and goalkeeper Arindam Bhattacharya addressed the media.

Thoughts on facing Kerala Blasters 

The head coach shared his thoughts moving into the clash against the Blasters He said that it’s tough to play Kerala Blasters at their home, but the team is confident.

“The mood is positive for the new game and we have had enough rest as well. We know the way they play and we will change a few things. It’s always hard to play against them at their home ground. They have the highest supporters in India,”

Annese remained hopeful for putting up a good performing away from home as well.

“I would love to make a good impact in Kerala which was also my home state with Gokulam Kerala FC. They have quality players and a really good coach. We have a new player in the middle and he will provide us more balance. I hope this time we can play better away from home because we haven’t done it yet,” he asserted.

Plan for the rest of the season

The Highlanders have only five games remaining in the 2022-23 season. When asked about what is the plan for the rest of the season, Vincenzo Alberto Annese said, “We are currently thinking about Kerala Blasters. We go step by step and game by game. I would love to get good results in the remaining games. I think I’ve made a positive change and I think I can do better than this,”

Jordan Wilmar’s absence

NorthEast United FC will miss the services of their skipper Jordan Wilmar following a sending off in the last game against Mumbai. Speaking about how his absence would affect the team, Annese said that it will be tough to play without his captain but the team is ready for the challenge.

“For sure it will be hard. Without our captain, it will be hard. We have Romain and now Joseba Beitia who knows Indian Football very well. I hope we coordinate well as a team. I would love to make a good performance away from home,” he concluded.

Arindam Bhattacharya‘s comments

Mood in the camp

Arindam Bhattacharya also accompanied his head coach to the press conference. He spoke about the mood in the camp and how the team is preparing for the game against Kerala Blasters FC.

“Obviously it’s not easy when your captain is missing a very important game. But luckily we have had 10 days to prepare. We have got Beitia who knows Indian Football well. He is there to help us and it’s a motivation for us to play in front of such a good crowd and if we can pull a good result it would be a very good motivation for us moving forward,”

He also added that there is a realistic chance for his side to pickup three points against the Blasters. And if they managed to do so it would be a positive step moving forward.

“Ofcourse we can get three points. The players are feeling positive. We have done it already against ATK Mohun Bagan and if we do what the coach wants us to do, it would be one of the biggest wins for us,” he signed off.