Schattorie staying positive about NorthEast United, Pasha not underestimating opposition
(Courtesy : ISL Media)
Both teams are at opposite ends of the table.
Chennaiyin FC will be looking to extend their five-match unbeaten run in Indian Super League (ISL) when they take on NorthEast United FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Friday. The 2015 champions have won three of their last five matches and know that a victory against the Highlanders will strengthen their position at the top of the table.
While speaking to the media at the pre-match press conference, Chennaiyin assistant coach Syed Sabir Pasha insisted that NorthEast’s lowly ninth spot in the league standing belies their ability and that it will be a difficult game against them. ”Every team is important, every game is important.
When we were playing Delhi Dynamos, the same question was asked of us and then they drew with us. So, we can’t take any team lightly. Every team is good, every team has some important players. So, tomorrow’s match is also very important for us. We are coming away from home and playing in different conditions, so it is always difficult. I think, it’s very important to take these three points and we are focused on it,” he said.
"When asked if head coach John Gregory’s absence on the sidelines – as he serves out the last of his four-match touchline ban – has affected the team, Pasha added: “We are positive every time. John has really been an inspiration for the team, no doubt, but he always says that once the team goes inside (the pitch), they are the boss.'
"So, I think, the team matters the most. We really miss John, but the boys are really motivated and they want to win all these 3-4 games for John because he is not there. So, I feel that it (his absence) is not going to harm us in any way, as we are highly motivated to play the way we have been playing.”
Also Read
Chennaiyin FC eye three points against NorthEast to extend lead at top of table
NorthEast United's focus on youth: Right idea, wrong execution
NorthEast United slash ticket prices, announce several sops in bid to woo supporters
Meanwhile, NorthEast’s assistant coach Eelco Schattorie spoke of a positive atmosphere in the squad ever since Avram Grant’s arrival during the hosts’ pre-match press conference. “The overall atmosphere is fine. It’s pretty good. From the first day I have arrived till now, the most important thing I have seen is that the players have the intention to do the job."
[KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]"They are motivated to do something together, which is very positive. Regarding the team gelling or getting tactics implemented, that always takes time, especially offensively. Defensively, I didn’t think, we had too many problems in the last game. Overall everyone is positive, we have a good atmosphere in training. We play against the number one (team) tomorrow, and as a coach, you don’t have to motivate anyone if you play the number one in the league,” he said.
Latest News
- Lyon vs Monaco Predicted lineup, betting tips, odds, injury news, H2H, telecast
- Napoli vs AS Roma Predicted lineup, betting tips, odds, injury news, H2H, telecast
- Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City Predicted lineup, betting tips, odds, injury news, H2H, telecast
- FC Porto vs Sporting CP Predicted lineup, betting tips, odds, injury news, H2H, telecast
- How is Carlos Pena doing at Ratchaburi FC?
Trending Articles
- Scouting Report: Who is East Bengal's bright talent Sayan Banerjee?
- Which clubs have won ISL Trophy in the past?
- Anju Turambekar appointed AFC Youth Panel Member to represent Singapore
- Hyderabad FC handed 'another' FIFA transfer ban
- Jahouh's domination and other talking points from Odisha FC's win over Mohun Bagan
Editor Picks
- How is Carlos Pena doing at Ratchaburi FC?
- ISL: Kerala Blasters part ways with Ivan Vukomanovic
- Which is the highest-scoring match between Mohun Bagan and Odisha FC?
- All-Indian scorecard and other talking points from ISL semi-final between FC Goa and Mumbai City FC
- Which clubs have won ISL Trophy in the past?