Jamshedpur will give us headache: Juan Pedro Benali

NorthEast United boss Juan Pedro Benali is not ready to take Jamshedpur FC lightly.

After a disappointing 1-1 draw in Kochi, NorthEast United are back to their base in Guwahati and will host Jamshedpur in a midweek clash. The Highlanders have dropped four points from winning positions in their last two games and will want to change that.

But, standing in their way is a side against whom they have won just once - Jamshedpur FC. Ahead of the game, NorthEast United’s head coach Juan Pedro Benali and player Nestor Albiach addressed the media.

Thoughts on his side’s start to the season

Speaking about his side’s start to the season, the head coach said that it has been a good one, but there is more work to do.

“I think it is a good start for what we were looking for. As I always say, we are building a team to get points. The team is slowly trying to convince and is getting difficult to play against. It gives the players more push to work and slowly we can give opportunities to the young ones,” he said.

Thoughts on Jamshedpur FC

Juan Pedro Benali shared his thoughts on Jamshedpur FC and mentioned that they are a very organised and strong team.

“Jamshedpur FC are a very organised team. They are very good defensively and have conceded only one goal in their last two games. Offensively they have good strikers. They had a lot of chances but they got unlucky and didn’t score many goals, but are very dangerous."

He also added that they have good players and it will be an headache to play against them.

“They have good players. We have seen them play and they know how to play in the system. They have a very good coach. I think they are a strong and tough team and will give us a lot of headache.”

Thoughts on Nestor

The head coach was asked about his thoughts on Spanish midfielder Nestor Albiach. He said, “Nestor is a good player and a good person and that is very good for the group. We are happy that he scored. All the players are very important and the most important thing is that the team is winning and everyone is happy,”

Nestor’s Comments 

Thoughts on playing in India

The Spanish midfielder shared his thoughts about his time in India so far. He said that the league is very good.

“At the moment, I'm very happy to be here in India. I know many players who have played here and I’ve heard good things about the league."

He also added that his team is slowly improving but there is a lot to improve upon.

“When I came here at the beginning, I told the coaches that we have to improve a lot. But, now I feel we are improving. It’s true that we have to improve a lot. We work hard from Monday to Friday. Now the team is getting better,” he concluded.