Enjoyed the game, but not the result: Juan Pedro Benali

The highlanders lost the game despite beginning with a two-goal lead

NorthEast United FC bowed out of the semi-final of the 132nd Durand Cup as they were handed a defeat in penalties by East Bengal. The Highlanders had a 2-0 lead for majority of the game but East Bengal fought back with resilience.

Miguel Zobaco and Phalguni SIngh put NorthEast United in the lead before an own goal from Dinesh Singh and a late equaliser from Nandha paved a way back for the Red and Gold Brigade. 

After the game, NorthEast United’s head coach Juan Pedro Benali and captain Gaurav Bora addressed the media. Here’s what he had to say.

Thoughts on the game

The head coach began by sharing his thoughts on the game and said that he is very proud of his side and his players are the best.

“I enjoyed the game, but not the result. But the most important thing is that we are really proud. There are some things that you cannot fight against and some elements that you cannot conquer. I think we have 26 fantastic players and for me they are the best player in the world,” he quipped.

What went wrong?

The Highlanders were leading by two goals for the majority of the game, but still couldn’t win it. The head coach was asked about what went wrong. He said, “We say it is the law of football. If you don’t kill, you get killed. We had 4-5 counter attack chances to kill the game. We didn’t kill that’s why we got killed. We are a young team and we need to learn from it. I am proud of the team for reaching the semi-finals,”

Words of encouragement for Parthib

The Highlanders’ young gun Parthib Gogoi got very unlucky and missed a crucial spot kick. The head coach was in all praise for his young forward and also mentioned that he’s proud that Parthib is going to represent India at the AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers.

“If we go back to the history of football, the best players in the world have lost penalties. But, there is a very good chance for Parthib to go on to become the best player in India. We are proud of him and all the players. 

“We are proud that he is going to represent India at the AFC U23 Asian Cup qualifiers. Let’s hope he goes into the national team set up and forgets what happened today,” he asserted.

Message to the fans

The head coach thanked the fans who travelled to the stadium and said, “I just want to thank all the Highlanders and NorthEast United Fc fans who came here. They were really helping us and pushing us. I also wish east Bengal the very best,” he concluded.

Gaurav’s comments

Thoughts on the game

When asked about his thoughts on the game, Bora replied that the team is only moving upwards from here on and there’s no looking back. “Yes, of course it is hurting. But really proud of the way. We need to control a few phases and we are only going upwards from here on,” he said.

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