Gerard Nus: It’s good to have many players fighting for one position

The Highlanders are all set to face former champions Bengaluru FC at the Fatorda Stadium on Tuesday.

The games are coming thick and fast for NorthEast United, as they prepare to face Bengaluru FC for their fifth match of the Indian Super League (ISL) season. NorthEast United have had a bright start to the season and are still unbeaten with two wins and two draws from their four fixtures. Ahead of their match against Bengaluru FC, the Highlanders’ head coach Gerard Nus spoke to the media.

The Spaniard explained his approach towards the game against Bengaluru. “Every game we take under consideration things. Obviously, there are things that principles of our style will not change because we only believe in those. There are other things that I take under consideration regarding the opponent, so obviously it is a mix between both.”

The Highlanders’ head coach also stated that he was happy with the different options that he had to choose from while picking his team.

“It’s good when you have this competition between positions. That shows you that everyone wants to fight for one spot in the first XI or even getting into the game whatever time. That’s a good thing when we have that. I am so happy with everyone, as I said many times already." 

“It’s hard for me to even decide about the roster. That’s the way it is, so it’s good to have many players fighting for that position because for any coach that’s what you would want. You cannot rely always only with just 11 players. The football team is more than 11 players and that’s why it is a good position to be to have those kind of players getting better everyday.”

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Head coach Gerard Nus was also wary about the quality of their opponents. “The truth is that Bengaluru won two years ago, the championship. Last year they were in the playoffs, that tells you how good they are. It’s a massive side. I am really concerned about the game tomorrow also because we didn’t have a long time to prepare.  We are going to put everything that we have. We are going to fight from the first minute until the last. I am sure we are going to be ready for the challenge no matter what.”

The Spaniard also gave an update on the situation with Uruguayan midfielder Federico Gallego. Gallego hasn’t featured for the Highlanders in the last two games.

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“Federico is getting ready. We will need to discuss this again with the medical department. For me, the important thing is that when the player is on the pitch he will be 100%. I am confident we are doing everything to make sure this is happening. I cannot tell you that’s going to be tomorrow or the next game or the game after, but when Gallego is ready he will be 100%.”

The NorthEast United tactician also spoke about the tight Indian Super League schedule and how it affects his preparations for a game.

“If you have less time to prepare a game, less time for recovery from one game to another, it always has a dangerous side in this. Increases many situations that we don’t want to be facing. It’s good when you have more time to rest between games because then obviously players are more fit or more fresh. Then I believe that the spectacle that we are going to watch it’s going to be better, rather than if the players are more fatigued, both fitness or mental. But, that’s the way it is. There are other situations and we have to deal with it. It’s tough for us, but also it is tough for the other teams. So, that’s the way it is. We just have to deal with it and take the most of the situation.”

Accompanying head Nus was midfielder Khassa Camara. The Mauritanian international stated that he was surprised by the quality of the Indian Super League. “I am surprised with the football in India because I didn’t know the championship here. But, I am very surprised, there are many players both Indian and foreigners. I am sure there is good quality and I am happy to participate in the championship.”

The Highlanders’ midfielder also spoke about his partnership with Indian starlet Lalengmawia. “It’s working very well. We try to speak all the time, even in training and before the game, during the game. We help each other, not only him but the whole team and until now there is no problem, it’s perfect.”