We are focused from start of season, states Gaurav Bora

NorthEast United will play their first game against Mumbai City

The 10th edition of the Indian Super League is only ten days away. All the teams are gearing up ahead of the new season. NorthEast United FC are no lesser either and are working their socks off ahead of the 2023-24 season.

Ahead of their season opener, head coach Juan Pedro Benali and his players Gaurav Bora, Redeem Tlang and Michel Zabaco addressed the media at the ISL Media Day in Kolkata on Wednesday. Let us find out what they had to say:

Plans for the upcoming season

The head coach began by sharing his objectives ahead of the upcoming season. He said that the only objective that the team has right now is the game against Mumbai CIty FC.

“Our first objective is on the 24th of September against Mumbai CIty FC. We are not thinking further than this. For us it is important to have a philosophy and style. We are just thinking of the next game and not further than that,”

“Football is football everywhere in the world. And it is not different. We need to get better everyday and at the end it is a football game and there is no difference,” he added.

Durand Cup

Juan also shared his feelings about the recently concluded Durand Cup where his side made it to the semifinals. He said, “We took the Durand Cup as a preparation tournament. It was important for our players and staff. Our fitness was not at the top. Of course, we believed that we could win and the performance against East Bengal was good and I am happy. We just couldn’t score a penalty. I don’t like to lose even in cards, imagine a semi final game,”

Message to the fans

Sharing a message for the fans, the Spaniard mentioned that the team needs the fans in the stands and not on social media platforms.

“When we started the Durand Cup, we didn't think about the semi-finals. It was one game at a time. We don’t need fans on social media, we need them in the stands and during training. We can’t promise if we will win or not, but we promise to make them proud,” he quipped.

Gaurav Bora’s comments

Thoughts ahead of the new season

Gaurav Bora accompanied his head coach. He was asked about his thoughts ahead of the upcoming season. Bora said that the team has learnt from their mistakes and are much better than last season.

“Last season did not turn out as we expected. We have learnt from our mistakes and from the start of the season we are focused. We are learning everyday and it won’t be the last season. We are much better than last season,” he said.

Further plans

Revealing his further plans, the defender mentioned that he wishes to represent the national team and win a trophy in the Blue jersey.

“I am never satisfied with myself. I want to be in the national team. There is a lot to do and a lot to achieve. Of course my aim is to play for the national team and to win a trophy and I’m looking forward to that,” Gaurav Bora concluded.