Gerard Nus rues missed chances against Hyderabad FC

The NorthEast United head coach feels his side need to score more.

Seventh-placed NorthEast United extended their winless run in the Indian Super League to six games. The high-flying attackers of Hyderabad FC put four past them, despite a spirited attempt at a comeback from the Highlanders. Head coach Gerard Nus addressed the media following his side’s disappointing defeat.

A missed opportunity

Two late goals in the second half saw NEUFC go in level at the break, despite falling behind early in the game. Liston Colaco scored for Hyderabad FC late in the game to condemn Nus’ side to yet another defeat.

“Especially in the first half, it was great, the desire to come back to the game and also the timing, it was excellent. I think we created a lot but again, I think we are missing determination. We have to score more, simple as that. It is good when, again and again, you are creating. We gave away two easy goals, too cheaply,” he said.

[KH_ADWORDS type="4" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS]

Capitulation at end of game

A quickfire double for Hyderabad in the dying moments of the game left Gerard Nus rueing his side’s lack of composure to see out a game. The Spaniard analyzed how the game got away from his side towards the end.

“I think that at the end, the fourth goal was because you go to at least equalize the game. Then you put players in front and go for it because you are not happy with the result. But, it was a bad moment and you have more risk,” Gerard Nus felt.

https://youtu.be/6Vm9FE0t9S4

Luis Machado’s early substitution

Portuguese attacker Luis Machado was taken off in the 68th minute to be replaced by defender Dylan Fox. Gerard Nus confirmed that the change was purely tactical to protect the forward from receiving a second yellow.

“It was not a part of a defensive plan. It was because we can only play with five foreigners and he got a yellow card, Mashoor (Shereef) got a yellow card. We were bringing a winger, Rochharzela and also Fox. He can provide us with attacking options from set-pieces and in many other ways.”

NorthEast United’s growing winless streak

With the defeat against Hyderaad FC, NEUFC saw their winless run stretch to six games with three losses in that period. This comes after the Highlanders started the season in excellent fashion. Their slump in form has found them in seventh spot in the league.

“Here we are a group of players that are mature. We need to learn from the mistakes and from the situations. This again is a test to see the character. At this moment it is a test to keep calm, to analyze and get a good rest for the next game.”

Varied team selection

The Spanish manager has chopped and changed his side considerably over the course of the ISL campaign so far. Questions have been raised over the effect these changes have had on the squad. Gerard Nus addressed these concerns in his post-match media interaction.

“I think that there are many reasons why you choose one XI or another. Sometimes, it might be injuries, might be cards, might be a lot of things. But also, we know the opponent, how they can create chances and how we can hurt them. We put the best team in that moment and also the substitutions, it is according to a plan.”

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