Everybody makes mistakes: Juan Pedro Benali backs goalie Mirshad

Mirshad Michu’s mistake cost NorthEast United a penalty in the game.

The Indian Super League (ISL) match between NorthEast United and Bengaluru FC ended in a 1-1 draw. Sunil Chhetri helped his side take the lead from a spot-kick before Jithin MS’s cross carressed Aleksandar Jovanovic’s head and ended up in the back of the net.

The Highlanders looked to be the better side throughout, but failed to capitalise on their chances. After the game, NorthEast United’s head coach Juan Pedro Benali addressed the media and shared his thoughts.

Individual mistakes

Individual mistakes have resulted in NorthEast United dropping points in their last two games. Speaking about the same, the head coach said that everyone makes mistakes and it happens in football.

“It’s not only Mirshad (Michu). The goals we did not score. The goalkeeper saved us a thousand times, but we remember only one mistake. Everybody makes mistakes and it happens. We played against a very strong team and we couldn’t win, but it is football,” he asserted.

Thoughts on Mirshad

Juan Pedro Benali was asked about his thoughts on his goalkeeper. He said that Mirshad is a good goalkeeper and has improved a lot.

“We need to trust him and the fans need to trust him. He is a good goalkeeper and he has improved a lot. Everybody makes mistakes. He tried to do his best, but it happens that other players make mistakes in defence and midfield,” he stated.

Unconverted chances

NorthEast United created a lot of chances, but failed to capitalise on them. Speaking about the same, the tactician said, “It takes time, calmness and experience. When we start to push too much we get nervous. A player may miss 10 chances, but tomorrow he will score without having a single chance. So, this is football.”

Fans

The Highlanders’ faithful turned up in huge numbers as the attendance crossed 10,000 at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati. Sharing his thoughts on the same, Juan Pedro Benali mentioned that he wants more fans to show up.

“I want 20,000 fans to turn up. I want a full house. I think we deserve it because we are working hard. Let’s push more and let’s be with the time,” he concluded.

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