Vincenzo Alberto Annese: Want my team to create more chances than opponent

The NorthEast United head coach shed light upon the Super Cup being hosted in Kerala.

NorthEast United stood tall against East Bengal, when the two sides met in an ISL 2022-23 fixture at Kolkata. Vincenzo Alberto Annese looked a proud mentor after the draw and probably was aware that his side could have earned their second win of the season, and that too, against another Kolkata giant.

Could you have won this game?

The last few minutes remained witness to NorthEast United piling pressure on the East Bengal defence, with the Red & Golds falling back in numbers to clear the line. Vincenzo Alberto Annese believed that his side could have sealed the game. He said:

“Yes, for sure, 100 %. We created many chances. In our attacking phase, we need to score more goals. Some free-kicks or corners were not done properly, but I think if we had a bit more time to rest… We showed the entire ISL that we have a quality team and players. I started to change their mentality. Previously, they used sit back and tried to save the result. Now we go forward to attack. In my team, everybody can score. We need Jordan back.”

He added, “I have started understanding my players. We need to create more space behind the defensive line. We deserved three points. I saw only counter-attacks from East Bengal. We probably dominated the possession. We hope to continue this way. I want my team to create more chances than the opponent. I like my team to score goals.”

Romain’s injury

Romain Philippoteaux was taken off in the second half as he succumbed to an injury. The head coach gave an update on his reliable midfield general, “We hope he’ll be ready for the next game at him. I hope we can recover him, Jordan and Emil Benny. I am impressed about the performance of Jithin and the other players who came in as substitutes.”

Bringing players from I-League

Vincenzo Alberto Annese has brought in a few faces from I-League to his NorthEast United regiment. When asked if he’ll include more of the same next season, he said, “Firstly, I might be with the players I have. If there are quality players in I-League, then… That is one league from where players come in each year to make the ISL better. For example, Naorem Mahesh Singh played in I-League and even 2nd division. Players from I-League dream to be in the ISL. The Federation will now increase teams in ISL. It’s the best thing to believe we can take some quality players from I-League.”

Super Cup

The NorthEast United boss also shed light on the Super Cup which is scheduled to start in April.

“I am thinking about Odisha game now. Super Cup is more than a month away. We need to believe that we can attack in many ways. Super Cup will be back after three years. It will be a great opportunity for ISL and I-League players. It’s important to make this league long. The ISL and I-League are too short – five or six months. Kerala are the hosts.  I love Kerala people very much.

Joseba Beitia different from Gazta

The inclusion of Joseba Beitia into the side has injected some possessional display to the side’s overall gameplay. The Spaniard replaced his compatriot Jon Gaztanaga.

Vincenzo Alberto Annese shared how the two are different, “Jon was more aggressive in the defensive phase. Beitia has more passes and touches. He came from I-League and showed that he’s better in ISL. He is an important player. We need confidence with the ball. Our physicality is a problem – they are short. We suffer in set-pieces, throw ins. Foreigners make a difference in physicality.”