Gerard Nus: We have to avoid injuries & rotating players will be key factor

The Spaniard spoke about having to play three games in a span of 10 days.

NorthEast United take on FC Goa in their third game of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2020-21 season on Monday at the Fatorda Stadium. The Highlanders, who currently sit second in the league table, are full of confidence ahead of the much-anticipated game. They are being seen as dark-horses, courtesy of their inspirational performances in the previous two games, where they defeated a star-studded Mumbai City FC team and came back from 2-0 down to draw the game against Kerala Blasters. Head coach Gerard Nus spoke to the media about his preparations and build-up to the next match.

"We are working very hard to make sure we are competitive in every single game. I'm not surprised in the way we play because that's the way we train. We are working everyday and the game is like a result of the hardwork they have put into every training session. So, I'm not surprised to see them performing good in the games because everybody is working hard, the players first and the staff as well.”

https://youtu.be/aTawAhoqAlE

With four points from the opening two games, the atmosphere in the NorthEast United dressing room is quite joyous, believes Gerard Nus. “The mood in the camp is really high. The players are excited about the performances that we have done in the games, but definitely there are a lot of things we have to improve, both as individuals and as a team,” he remarked.

Moreover, the Spaniard has a lot of respect for last season’s league-toppers FC Goa. “If Goa lead the regular season last year, then it's for a reason. We have to remember that,” he said. “I think they have the pressure to win. They have a huge squad in terms of quality and talent. They play good football and keep a lot of possession. So, I definitely believe they need to get a lot from this game. As the league is being played at their home, I definitely expect them to be brave and go for the game,” he added.

According to Nus, playing three matches within a span of 10 days is a big challenge for his team. “We don't have the ideal recovery time for the players to be 100% ready for the game. We have to get that into consideration and manage the situation properly. For this, it is important for everybody to be ready for the challenge. Everybody has to be fit, know about the tactics and keep good fitness. Sometimes, they might need to play 90 minutes and sometimes only five, but they have to perform no matter what. We have to avoid injuries and rotating players will be a key factor in my opinion,” spoke the Spaniard.

NorthEast United visit FC Goa without any injury issues, as Gerard Nus revealed the team news during the virtual press conference. “Pretty much everybody is okay and that makes my job a little bit harder because we have to keep some players out of the roster. But, at the same time, it is good to have a lot of players ready,” he quoted.

The Highlanders dealt with an early blow when two of their players tested positive for COVID-19 earlier. “Yes, the two players are back in training, but they are staying in isolation. Our medical team is in close contact with them and the league doctors as well. We expect them to be back to the team pretty soon,” concluded the Spaniard.