It’s going to be difficult, Gerard Nus says ahead of ATKMB clash

The NorthEast United head coach also revealed that he feels the Mariners have ‘amazing’ players.

NorthEast United will have a tough job in their hands when they face ATK Mohun Bagan in their next game in the Indian Super League. The Highlanders return after a break as they play their first match since December 22, a 2-2 draw against Odisha FC. Ahead of their match against ATK Mohun Bagan, NorthEast United head coach Gerard Nus spoke in the pre-match press conference. 

The Spaniard sounded cautious to the threat imposed by their opposition for Sunday. “Regarding tomorrow’s game we know that it is going to be really tough. Hardest team to play against, there is no question about it,” he began. 

“We know that no matter what, they (ATK Mohun Bagan) are going on to be on the top during all this season because they have really amazing players. And, also because they have gone consistently through the years with many players that they have got in the squad and that obviously helps in short tournaments like this one.” 

“When everybody knows each other it’s obviously a good thing. They have been strong and we are expecting a really tough game tomorrow,” Gerard Nus added.

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Transfers

Like several other teams, NorthEast United are being linked with several players in the January transfer window. Speaking on whether NorthEast United are looking to do any business, the tactician answered, “To be honest, we always have eyes open to see what happens in the market. We are a team that is always looking for getting better and to improve.” 

“That means in the field, in the training sessions and in the games and obviously in terms of movement in the market. And, now specially in the moment, the rule allows us to do that.” 

“It’s not just for that we are with our eyes and ears open and waiting for it. That’s something that we do, no matter what time. Because, we want to be a competitive team and we have said that since day one. We have players that for whatever reason, they have to move. We have to consider it. We have to analyze with the coaching staff and the management,” Gerard Nus continued.

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Missed Chances

In their previous game, NorthEast United failed to use all of their chances. Speaking on how he was going to solve that problem, Gerard Nus said, “We are probably the first team in terms of creating chances. It is something that we have to feel proud of and we should get a trophy for this.” 

“We create more chances than any other team in the league. That is something very good. Another thing I want to say in terms of statistics. We are the first team in terms of goalscorers in terms of players. There are teams where one player scores many goals. We don’t have that, we have five players who have scored goals for NorthEast United,” he added. 

“There are teams that only score from set pieces nor any other ways. NorthEast United score from set pieces or direct play. From organization, from counterattacks. That’s something that we have to be really proud of,” he continued. 

“Now, we think about ATK Mohun Bagan because we know that no matter how we prepare, they can be a really tough side which is the side that only lost one game. We are going to need to be in our best to get something from the game,” Gerard Nus opined.

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On ATK Mohun Bagan’s defence

ATK Mohun Bagan’s defence has been almost impenetrable this season as they have kept six clean sheets in eight games so far. On being asked how he planned to get through the Mariners’ defence, the 35-year-old answered, “I think it is going to be difficult. I have no doubts about it. They only conceded three goals.” 

“From eight games, if you only concede three goals then definitely you will get a lot of good things. We are going to be ready and we want to prove those statistics wrong. We want to increase the number of goals conceded by them. And, everything will be there from our side to do it,” Gerard Nus concluded.

Ashutosh Mehta

Right back Ashutosh Mehta joined the NorthEast United head coach in the pre-match press conference, when he mentioned that he is not getting ahead of himself. “In football, the most important game is the next game. Our main focus is on ATK Mohun Bagan and we take it from there step by step. Of Course, I want to win the ISL for NorthEast but it’s important to take it step by step.”

The defender also spoke about the threat imposed by the Mariners, especially the attacking duo of Roy Krishna and David Williams. 

“They (ATK Mohun Bagan) have good players for sure. There are other good players as well. ATK Mohun Bagan, they are a good team. Tactically they are very good. Physically they are very strong. So, it is the entire team that we have to take care of, not just the two of them (Krishna and Williams).”

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