How pragmatic Eelco Schattorie has made efficient use of limited resources by building from the back
(Courtesy : ISL Media)
Before the start of the season the Highlanders' defence had several question marks over it but has stood the test of time.
NorthEast United FC coach Eelco Schattorie could not resist taking a dig at all those who had wondered how they would survive in the Hero Indian Super League.
NorthEast United qualified for the play-offs for the first time in ISL history. They were the only team from the original eight clubs who had not finished among the top four. But this season, Schattorie proved everyone wrong by steering the team to the play-offs.
That he did it with a limited budget and a team full of ‘not-so-glamorous’ names was significant. Of course, there was the brilliance of attacking midfielder Federico Gallego and striker Bartholomew Ogbeche with the duo performing consistently throughout the league. But the most striking aspect of NorthEast’s qualification has been their defensive resilience.
“Before the start of the season, there were comments that NorthEast have a very weak defence, but we have conceded the least goals,” said Schattorie.
Schattorie’s side have the best defensive record in the league this time around with just 18 goals conceded in as many games. And five of them came in a game against FC Goa where they had run rampant.
Given the kind of personnel they have had in defence and the injury concerns, the achievement is even more astonishing. Initially, Mislav Komorski and Mato Grgic played a huge part with the Croatian defenders forming an excellent partnership in central defence. But the rest of the defensive personnel would not have inspired much confidence.
Reagan Singh, Robert Lalthlamuana and Keegan Pereira were all coming after average campaigns. Provat Lakra was playing his first ISL season. But the full-backs gave a solid account of themselves. Pawan Kumar and Gurwinder Singh were the other options in central defence. But while Pawan has barely played in the top division in the last few years, Gurwinder’s stock had come down considerably, especially after East Bengal let him go last season.
Schattorie’s side would have been wondering what to do next when Komorski was ruled out for the season with an injury. But Gurwinder has since filled that void.
ALSO READ
- Mumbai to host UEFA Champions League trophy, along with Luis Figo!
- Why the upcoming AFC Cup qualifying playoffs will prove to be another tough test for Chennaiyin FC
- I quite like how things are moving in the ISL- Alessandro Del Piero
Now, there is another defensive problem for the play-offs. Gurwinder was sent off in the concluding league clash against Kerala Blasters FC, leaving Schattorie with plenty to think ahead of the semi-final battle against Bengaluru FC.
"With Gurwinder Singh getting suspended, that’s going to be something we have to assess and look into,” admitted assistant coach Shaun Ontong.
Against Kerala Blasters, NorthEast defence gave another inspiring performance, keeping a clean sheet despite having a player sent off early in the game.
“We are so proud of the performance, especially defensively. I thought we were outstanding. The effort was what got us the point,” said Ontong.
[KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]Despite the early injury and now Gurwinder’s suspension, maybe, just like the entire season, NorthEast will again find a way to strengthen their defence in the semi-finals.
Latest News
- Seattle Sounders vs LA Galaxy Predicted lineup, betting tips, odds, injury news, H2H, telecast
- New York City vs Colorado Rapids Predicted lineup, betting tips, odds, injury news, H2H, telecast
- Roma vs Juventus Predicted lineup, betting tips, odds, injury news, H2H, telecast
- Liverpool join rivals Manchester United in race for Japanese star Takefusa Kubo
- Liverpool vs Tottenham Predicted lineup, betting tips, odds, injury news, H2H, telecast
Trending Articles
- Coach Habas helped us believe in ourselves, says Mohun Bagan forward Dimitri Petratos
- The vision of the academy is to identify young talented footballers, says U-19 RFYC asst. coach Saksham Kakkar
- Looking back at all the ISL finals
- Report: Jamie Maclaren has two more offers apart from Mohun Bagan
- Want to do something for Indian football, says Indian cricketer Kuldeep Yadav
Editor Picks
- Which players will miss ISL 2023-24 final?
- Mohun Bagan should also be worried about us, says Alberto Noguera before ISL final
- Packed crowd is extra motivation to do well, says Mumbai City FC coach Petr Kratky
- ISL 2023-24 Final: Mohun Bagan vs Mumbai City FC: Live streaming, TV channel, kick-off time & where to watch
- ISL 2023-24 Final: Mohun Bagan vs Mumbai City FC: Preview, Predicted lineup, injury news, H2H, telecast details