Alison Kharsyntiew warns NorthEast United of complacency ahead of Chennaiyin clash

The Highlanders' assistant coach spoke about the importance of maintaining concentration throughout the game.

NorthEast United would want to continue their good run of form, as they prepare to face Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) on Thursday. The Highlanders currently sit in the fourth position with 26 points from 17 games and are still very much alive in the race for the top four. On the other hand, it is now mathematically impossible for Chennaiyin to qualify for the playoffs. Ahead of their match against the Marina Machans, the Highlanders' assistant manager Alison Kharsyntiew spoke to the media

Won’t be complacent

Although Chennaiyin have nothing to play for but pride, the 34-year-old stated that his team won’t take the game lightly.

“I think we have to be prepared. We should not take it easy. Like the last game, the players have put in a lot of effort. They have shown determination, they have shown character on the pitch. They have done very well. So, I hope tomorrow they will continue with the same spirit and we will try our best to win," he said.

Focused to the last minute

Despite the recent unbeaten run, the Highlanders don’t seem to be in control in some patches of the game. On being asked about his opinion on that fact, the former Shillong Lajong manager said, “I think this things happen in a game, but we have to be more focused in all the minutes.

"Throughout the 90 minutes we have to be focused, concentration level should be high. We should try to do best in every minute, in every second of the game till the final whistle.”

Every game is different

NorthEast United have a very good record against Chennaiyin FC. On being asked if the head-to-head stats would have any impact on tomorrow’s game, Alison Kharsyntiew stated that every game is different.

"Every game is different. Tomorrow is a different game, different atmosphere. We will try our best to win tomorrow," the Highlanders’ assistant coach commented.

Balanced Gameplay

When asked if he believed that his team had a more defensive approach in their last match against Odisha FC in the second half, he replied, “I think we played balanced football. In the first half, we scored the goals. It’s not like we play defensively or we play in an attacking style. Rather, we try to play balanced football.

He further added, "It depends on the situation of the game, the moments of the game."

Luis Machado's comments

Accompanying assistant coach Alison Kharsyntiew in the press conference was Portuguese winger Luis Machado. The midfielder spoke about his partnership with Federico Gallego, which has been very successful for the Highlanders. “Everybody knows that he is a very good player. Now, I understand all the movements that Gallego does, so it’s easy for me," he spoke about his teammate

Machado has had his fair share of success in front of goal, netting six times which makes him the Highlanders’ highest scorer for the season so far. “It’s good to score goals, for the team to win the match. It doesn’t matter who scores, me or another player. The most important thing is to win the match and go to the playoffs. If I score, of course I am very happy, but I am most happy if the team win," the winger said.

"Life in the league has been difficult because we are in the bio-bubble. But, I feel good, I like this kind of football. The league is very good. Both Indian players and foreign players are of good quality. So, I feel very good," he signed off.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Twitter, Instagram and join our community on Telegram.