Let's enjoy the last four games, Juan Pedro Benali's clear message before clash against Mumbai City FC

The tactician also shared his thoughts on the mishaps which occurred in the last game against Punjab FC.

NorthEast United will put the defeat against Punjab FC behind them to shift their focus on the upcoming away clash against Mumbai City FC. The Highlanders will also want to get back to winning ways because any further slip-ups will hamper their campaign big time.

They will also be keen to get a win against the Islanders having lost the reverse fixture back in Guwahati last year. Ahead of the game, NorthEast United’s head coach Juan Pedro Benali and goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh addressed the media.

Thoughts on the last game

Juan Pedro Benali began by sharing his thoughts on the last game and said that Punjab FC were very fast but the result could’ve been better as his side’s performance was not bad.

“Punjab FC is fast. We could take better results. Performance was not bad. That’s the most important thing. Objective is clear. As I say all the time, every day I am trying to perform, trying to do new things,” he asserted. 

Thoughts on Mumbai City FC

The head coach shared his thoughts on the Islanders and said that they are a very strong team with good players and are playing for the league shield.

“Mumbai (City FC), we’re going to play against a very strong team, against a team who’s playing for the championship. A rich team with very good players but we’re not going for holidays. We’re going to try to make it the most difficult possible for them. Enjoy the game. That’s the most important thing. Enjoy playing in Mumbai. Feel football and make it historical. This game and this day will never come back again. Let’s enjoy it,” he quipped.

Play-offs race

When asked about the play-offs’ race, the Spaniard said that he is only focusing on the game against Mumbai City FC right now.

“I don’t look at that. For us the most important thing is the game against Mumbai. You know I think the achievement we did now is to build a team. And slowly we arrive at that achievement. We’re doing very well, building a team. Sometimes the result doesn’t go with what you’re doing, but doesn’t mean we’re not working. 

He also added that the team was under a lot of pressure from fans and media about qualifying for the play-offs and that made them nervous.

“Looking further will put pressure on us, let’s focus on the game against Mumbai. You see, the last two games we put that pressure on our players from the media, fans, the players themselves. And we got nervous. We have nothing to lose to play against Mumbai. Absolutely nothing. Let’s enjoy the last four games,” he revealed.

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