We have nothing to lose, asserts Juan Pedro Benali ahead of FC Goa clash

Juan Pedro Benali heaped praise upon his Spanish counterpart Manolo Marquez’ and his player-building ability.

NorthEast United FC will be taking on FC Goa in their final home game of this year at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on 29th of December 2023, Friday, as they strive to give in their all, hoping to take at least a point with them.

The Highlanders haven’t been able to take three points home since gameweek 5 when they hosted Jamshedpur FC. With their highest scorer Parthib Gogoi being doubtful in the starting lineup, Spanish linchpin Nestor Albiach and skipper Roman Philippoteaux will take on the charge to trouble the visitors’ backline.

Currently positioned 8th in the ISL table with 11 points, the Highlanders will be eager to improve their standings and finish off this year on a better note.

Before tomorrow’s clash, NorthEast United Head Coach Juan Pedro Benali appeared for a media interaction.

Let’s take a look at what the tactician’s thoughts are ahead of this clash.

Thoughts on facing FC Goa

When asked about what he expects from his team upon facing the in-form Goa side tomorrow, the mentor replied, “Well the feeling is they are the strongest team in the league currently with great players on their roster. They are a team that doesn’t concede goals easily. They are very dangerous up front with quality players, they are tactically strong and they have a very good coach who succeeded in bringing all the good players and making them play together. We hope to be prepared and enjoy the game.”

Thoughts on the upcoming break

When asked about the ISL going on a break for a month, and how important will it be for his team to end the year on a good note, Juan Pedro Benali responded, “We will hope to finish in the best way possible. Our objective is clear. The players, the staff, the supporters, all of them are proud of the team and that is the most important thing for us. Either we win, draw, or not win. It is simple. We go in as usual and give it our all. We have nothing to lose.”

Thoughts on FC Goa boss Manolo Marquez

Coach Benali praised his counterpart ahead of Friday’s clash. “He has made a very solid team. It is really difficult to make those good individual players play together. He has made some good, top-level players,” said the Highlander’s Boss.

Thoughts on working with NorthEast United FC

“We are improving in our game. Everything works differently here at NorthEast. The players, the staff, we all are one team, together. We try to give in our all, in every game. I am happy here. I am happy with my team, my staff, and the club,” the tactician replied on being asked about his experience at NorthEast United with half of the league being over already.

Did anything surprise him?

Juan Pedro Benali commented upon the league’s facet that took him by surprise. He said, “There are very good, quality players who can sometimes go crazy which is good for the fans. Though it’s not good for the opposition defenders at times.”

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