We'll try to make it as difficult as possible for them, says Juan Pedro Benali before FC Goa clash

NorthEast United head coach Juan Pedro Benali also spoke about the weather at Goa.

After a forgetful outing in the City of Joy, NorthEast United have flown to the western coast of the country to face off against FC Goa. Just like the Highlanders, their upcoming opponents were also handed a defeat by Mohun Bagan in their previous outing.

Both sides will be keen to bounce back and get back winning ways come Wednesday. Ahead of the match, NorthEast United’s head coach Juan Pedro Benali and left-back Buanthanglun Samte addressed the media and shared their thoughts.

Thoughts after the last game

Sharing his thoughts on the defeat against Mohun Bagan, Benali said that it was a lesson learnt for everyone and the team needs to grow and solve the problems.

“Kolkata was not a big loss. It was a big lecture for everyone. It’s very important to understand the game and how to solve problems when we have it. We need to grow, we need to control that. We pay the price for the new players, but I’m sure that we’re learning,” he revealed.

Thoughts on the game against FC Goa

The head coach shared his thoughts ahead of the FC Goa game and said that it will be a very difficult one for his side. He also mentioned that Manolo Marquez is the best coach in the league for him.

“It will be a very difficult game. The weather is hot for us, but it’s great to be here. It’s great to play against Goa. It is always a very difficult game. For me, the best coach in the ISL is Manolo (Marquez), and he has a very good team with very good players.”

He also added that FC Goa will be more keen to get points against his side because they also lost their last match.

“They know what they’re doing. They lost the last game. That means they will be keen to get the points against us. We’ll try to make it as difficult as possible for them and be ready to fight,” he asserted.

Thoughts on Tomi Juric

The Highlanders’ latest import has set the stage on fire with his goal-scoring abilities. He has scored four goals in two matches and is already the Highlanders’ top-scorer this season.

Speaking about him, Juan Pedro Benali said, “Tomi’s a great player, a great striker. That’s why we brought him. He has integrated himself very quickly and very well with the team, thanks to the team and all the players and the staff. He feels at home now, surrounded by very good players. His teammates have started to understand him and they try to put him in a good position to score. He’s very important for us,” he added.

Samte’s comments 

Working under Juan Pedro Benali

The left-back shared his thoughts of playing under Juan Pedro Benali and said that the coaching staff and the players have helped him a lot.

“It has been great for me. I have good teammates and a good coaching staff. They help me a lot. I’m so happy about this. I did not expect this when I came here and it is more than I expected,” he quipped.

Playing alongside Tondonba Singh

Sharing his views of playing alongside Tondonba Singh, Samte said, “He’s a very good person. Whether I’m playing or not playing, Tondonba is always helping me. This is football, everyone knows. Sometimes we are down. But if I’m not playing, I’m not angry,” he concluded.

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