For the first time I regret not having choices-Vingada

The NEUFC manager conceded injuries are starting to take their toll on his squad…

Ahead of the crucial home game against Atletico de Kolkata, NorthEast United boss Nelo Vingada seems worried for the first time in the league following new injuries to add on its unfit players list. NorthEast will miss the services of Nico Valez and Romaric in the upcoming game due to injury concerns. “For the first time, I regret not having choices,” ‘said the Professor. Playing with almost the similar team in the last six matches, the formation and tactics of the team will surely be affected with the new injuries that add to the already suffering TP Rahenesh and Seityasen Singh. The Highlanders were dominating the league from the beginning this season by being on top for first 20 days. As this is the last game of phase one, Nelo Vingada wants a win ahead of the second half of the campaign. “It is the end of the first round, and we need to end it on a high so that we get something going to achieve our target of reaching the playoffs. All teams are in the race and no one is out yet,’’ said the NEUFC boss “There are no weak teams in the ISL, and all of them have a similar value. All matches have been one goal or two goal games. So the league is better than I expected before I arrived here,” he further added. On the much needed recovery time of one week before this game, he said, “We just needed mental rest more than physical recovery and that is what we got. I tell my players that life is not all about football. After the Chennaiyin game, it felt like someone had punched our face. It will be a tough game though both teams are similar in their organization, quality and value. The capacity to fight will determine the result,” said the Professor. On being asked whether the absence of his counterpart Jose Molina from the field is going to be a factor he responded, “Molina will not play, only players and ball are important to play football. Without coach and even referees, fans and journalists, we can play but not without the ball and players.” Answering a question on the not so impressive refereeing so far in the league and the sending off of Molina in the previous game he had some words to share. “The referee should have enough sensibility to understand that the coach is a man he is under pressure. But the team will play and that is most important,” he concluded. Photo © ISL Media