Not thinking about goal-difference, insists Khalid Jamil

The interim coach insisted that his side will prepare the same way for Hyderabad FC as previous games.

After their draw against FC Goa, NorthEast United will face another contender for the Indian Super League playoffs, Hyderabad FC. Both teams have 22 points from 15 matches, but the Nizams are currently above the Highlanders on goal-difference. Ahead of the game, the Highlanders' interim coach Khalid Jamil along with assistant coach Alison Kharsyntiew addressed the media.

Goal-Difference

Despite being level on points with the two teams above them, the Highlanders find themselves outside the top four due to their inferior goal-difference. On being asked if he will be looking to improve the same, the former Mohun Bagan coach stated, “We're thinking of playing this match how we have played our last matches. We're not thinking about goal-difference or anything. We need to play positive and get positive result.”

Importance of game

Both NorthEast United and Hyderabad FC are level on points after the same number of matches and are fighting for a spot in the top four. On being asked if these facts make tomorrow’s game extra important, Khalid Jamil answered, “All the matches are important, not only one match. Tomorrow’s match is also important, it is very vital. Same preparations will be there and that’s it.”

Fixtures Ahead

After their match against Hyderabad, NorthEast United will play their remaining games against teams from the bottom half of the table. Asked if that gave them an advantage over the other top four contenders, the 43-year-old said, “As I said before, a match is a match. It is important to give respect to every match. Everybody is good. All the teams are good. So, we are not taking anything lightly.”

Changes after appointment

NorthEast United have been in flying form since Jamil’s appointment, winning 10 points out of the available 12. Asked what changes he brought about, the former Aizawl coach said, “It is not about individual, but about the team. Everybody is working hard. They are doing their job. They are working, they are enjoying. Even the staff, everybody, we are working together as a team. This is the main secret.”

 Hyderabad FC's threat

The Highlanders’ coach stated that he was wary of the threat posed by his opponents. “Hyderabad is a good team. They prepare very well. They know we have played with them last match. So, our preparation should always be the same."

Alison Kharsyntiew

Joining Khalid Jamil in the press conference was assistant coach Alison Kharsyntiew. The former Shillong Lajong tactician shared his side's approach to the game. “Plan is simple. We'll approach the game well. We have to do very well in defence and if we have the ball, we need to create chances. We have to give a good effort tomorrow.”

The 33-year-old believes that his team need to be more clinical in the attacking third. “We just have to be confident once we reach the attacking third. We need to be more clinical. I am sure the boys will put up a good fight and they will do well he," concluded.

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