Vincenzo Alberto Annese: We need to keep improving

Highlanders stole a point from FC Goa as Wilmar Gil scored two penalties.

NorthEast United FC earned their fourth point of the ISL season after trailing twice against FC Goa in the final match of game week 15. The Vincenzo Alberto Annese's side came back twice to level things at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Guwahati and brought an end to their losing run.

FC Goa dropped points for the first time in 22 games after scoring first as they gave away their lead twice to the home side. Jordan Wilmar Gil scored twice from the spot for the Highlanders while Edu Bedia and Iker Guarrotxena found the back of the net for the Gaurs.

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

Thoughts on the game

The head coach began by sharing his thoughts on the game. He said that it was hard fought draw against a very good side and he was happy with his side’s performance.

“We draw with a quality team. A Lot of their players have played together for many years. I’m so happy with our performance and we need to keep improving. I feel we can do much better, the guys have a lot of space to improve.

“Under me, the team is playing totally different football. We had to sit too much back and I don't like that. Jithin should have scored a goal in the first 20 minutes. The way we switched the ball from right to left was amazing. I think we have improved and can create something special for the future and I hope we continue in that direction,” he asserted.

Change of tactics

The Italian gaffer gave his latest import Kule Mbombo a debut start alongside club captain Jordan Gil. When asked if this was a change in tactics, Vincenzo replied, “I’m happy with Kule Mbombo. He is a quality player and he must understand the position. He has been out for a month, but he gives a lot to the team. I like Romain when he entered the pitch, he was so fresh. Everybody contributed to doing well for the team.” 

A well-fought draw?

FC Goa threw the kitchen sink at NorthEast United after conceding the second goal. The Highlanders faced a lot of nervy moments but still managed to get a point out of the game. Speaking about the same Vincenzo Alberto Annese said that all the players played their roles and the team has improved a lot in the last month or so.

“I try to play for a win all the time. If we were a bit better against Bengaluru FC, we would have at least got one win and even FC Goa are a good team. Step by step you build something for the future. Till now we have done well and we improved a lot. I hope to perform not just at home but also away from home,” he stated.