Gerard Nus: We need to feel proud of the unbeaten run

The Spaniard was wary of the threat posed by the Marina Machans.

NorthEast United will face Chennaiyin FC in their sixth match of the Indian Super League (ISL) season. The Highlanders have had a bright start to the season as they are unbeaten in five matches and are currently third in the league table. Head coach Gerard Nus spoke to the media ahead of their match against the Marina Machans.

Chennaiyin are still dangerous

The Spaniard believes that Chennaiyin can still be dangerous despite their recent results. “We know that Chennaiyin is going to be a really competitive side. We have seen them, like, how they fight. Even in the last game, they didn’t probably get the result that they were working for. But, definitely they create chances.”

“They were dangerous and I have no doubt that they could draw that game or even win it. So we have to expect this kind of side. A side that is going to come to play against us with this commitment, this aggressivity , the intensity and we have to be ready.”

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Crivellaro’s threat

The coach is wary of the threat imposed by the Marina Machans’ midfielder Rafael Crivellaro. “We know Crivellaro is a good player. If he has time, he can deliver the ball anywhere and create chances by himself or make those passes for someone else. That’s a threat. We are going to try to make him not have the ball as much as possible. And if he has the ball, he needs to be put under pressure because if not, definitely he is a dangerous player.”

Areas to improve

Further, the Highlanders’ boss was asked about the areas that he thinks his team could improve in. Gerard Nus said, “We have to be focused for 90 minutes no matter what. No matter what the situation is and no matter what the result is. We need to have that mentality always. This is something that you need that consistency. That’s one thing. Then with the ball, we need to get better with possession.”

“Everybody has to know what’s the plan. And I think we already know from all the games that it’s about being consistent. One game at a time. Be sure we minimize the mistakes. Sometimes, it’s more about tension and what the opponent tries to do than things that we were expecting. Like set-pieces for example. No matter what you do, you can be prepared but there is also a chance for the other team to prepare something that you are not ready for. You have to adapt quickly and get the most out of the situation.”

Related- Preview: High-flying NorthEast United look to derail Chennaiyin FC

No added pressure because of unbeaten run

On being asked if the unbeaten run adds any extra pressure on his team, Gerard Nus asserted, “No. I don’t think it adds more pressure. I think this is something that we need to feel proud of. But this is already gone. It has been five games. Now, we are one day away from the sixth game. All that matters is that tomorrow, we play a serious game. We take it since the first second of the game as a final and that’s the only way that we can get something from the game. If we don’t think that way, there is no chance.” 

“There is no easy team in this league. Every game is so difficult. Every opponent fights. Everybody wants to win. We’ve seen that in every single game and have that mentality. We go for the three points but know that it’s not gonna be easy at all.”

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Subhasish Roy Chowdhury

Accompanying head coach Gerard Nus was goalkeeper Subhasish Roy Chowdhury. This is his second season for the Highlanders. The goalkeeper talked about his experience so far and also gave an update on his injury. 

“This is my second year and I am happy with the Highlanders. Last year is gone. This year, there are new boys. They are very good and you know our coach, he is also very good. So yes, we are ready. Now my injury is okay and I am good.”

The former East Bengal goalkeeper also spoke about his return to the Indian national team “After a long time, they called me again. Now all the goalkeepers are very good and I am ready to challenge them.

Subhasish picked up an injury earlier this season and was replaced by Gurmeet Singh. Gurmeet has been performing well since then and Subhasish believes he is ready to fight for his position. “ When I came here the first time, the coach told me ‘Subhasish for me all the goalkeepers are the same. So if you fight you will get the chance.’ 

“When we enter the ground, we are fighting each other. Whoever does good, he will play. For me, it’s good. Somebody pushing from behind then I have to do better”

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