We are proud of unbeaten run but want more, says Gerard Nus

The Highlanders' tactician also reflected on his team's missed opportunities after the goalless draw with Chennaiyin FC

NorthEast  United played out a goalless draw against Chennaiyin FC, stretching their unbeaten start to the season to six matches. The draw saw the Highlanders climb to the second position in the league table. 

NorthEast United head coach Gerard Nus spoke to the media after the game and expressed his disappointment with the result. “Disappointed. We wanted to win. We came with the tactics, the plan, everything. We prepared to get the three points and I am disappointed with the result. But, I am happy, one more time with the effort, the commitment. We keep trying from the first minute till the end and that’s something I feel really proud of the players.”

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Missed Chances

NorthEast United missed a couple of chances to score, most notably by forward Idrissa Sylla. When asked about his reaction to the missed chances, the Highlanders’ head coach said, “Any game you try and create chances. That means that you are capable of finding a way to create those chances. That’s pretty much the idea in the attacking side of the game. So, it’s a positive situation to see that you are creating chances. 

“Also, in different ways, today from set-pieces. From what I have been told it was a clear penalty from the handball in the first half. I am sorry, but we’re sad because the referee didn’t see that one. Many other chances that definitely become dangerous for any side in the offensive part of the game. Also, we have seen in the game, no goals against us tonight and how strong we are defensively.”

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https://youtu.be/kmgv8amatbE

Players sticking to the coach’s principles

The Highlanders’ manager was also asked if his players were sticking to his principles and philosophies. Gerard Nus said, “I think, to be honest, every single game, even the two friendlies that we had before the season started. We have seen the players understand what’s our principle, what is our approach to the game. 

“We are taking positive results. Obviously as I said, I am a little bit disappointed because I think and also you can see in the face of the players, this team has this hunger to win. They want to win, that’s not enough to draw, even if it’s a great achievement to be unbeaten in six games. It’s not that easy. Not many teams can say that. We are proud of it, but we want more.”

Related: Chennaiyin FC hold NorthEast United to goalless draw

On Team Selection

Coach Gerard Nus was also asked if he could start (Luis) Machado, (Idrissa) Sylla and (Kwesi) Appiah together, or if he preferred VP Suhair and Rochharzela. The Spaniard replied, “I am happy with both those players (VP Suhair and Rochharzela). The positive is that we finished the game without any injuries. This is something that not many teams can say. I see it as a positive thing because it’s good when a coach has a lot of options to play. Then these headaches that you’re suggesting come to the coaching staff and to myself, but it’s good when we have options and different tactics that we can use in any game.”

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Attacking Instinct

Compared to their previous matches, NorthEast United created more chances against Chennaiyin FC, despite failing to score. When this was pointed out to the Highlanders’ manager, the Spaniard replied, “I think we created a lot of chances and this speaks really highly of the team. That part of the football, that part of the tactics, that part of any football game. But again, at the end of the day, you have to put those in the net and today wasn’t that day. I am sure that we’re going to keep working hard to be sure Friday is that day.”

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