Gerard Nus: We aren't a defensive team, we know how to attack

The Spaniard spoke ahead of the game against Odisha FC on Tuesday.

NorthEast United faced their first defeat of the season in their last game against Jamshedpur FC. The Highlanders couldn’t have asked for  better opponents to regain their confidence, as they face Odisha FC in their next game. Odisha currently sit at the bottom of the table, with just one point in their six games. Ahead of their fixture, NorthEast United head coach Gerard Nus spoke to the media.

Reaction to defeat

Having been beaten by Jamshedpur in the last game, which was also their first defeat of the season, the Spaniard was asked how his team would react to the loss. “I think it’s a good test tomorrow for us. Obviously, after a defeat it is always a challenge to see how we are going to react. I have zero doubts that we're going to react like the team that we have been so far. A team that really fights in every single game, a team that goes for the points in every single game. We want to have the victory tomorrow.”

On Odisha FC 

Odisha FC are currently sitting at the bottom of the table with one point from six games. On being asked about his approach to the game, the Highlanders head coach said, “We know that they didn’t get the results that they wanted, but at the same time, we know how strong they are. How good the players that they have."

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“They have an experienced coach. In the last game, they were 1-2 against Bengaluru, which is one of the biggest sides as well in the championship. We know it’s going to be a tough game. We have to be at our best to get something from it. But, we’re going to go with full confidence because we want to get the three points.”

Areas to improve

The defeat against Jamshedpur came as a reality-check for the Highlanders. On being asked what are the areas that he thinks his team needs to improve on, the Spaniard replied, “I have no doubts that we are going to have a good performance tomorrow. We stick to the positive things that we have done so far. We’re going to be again one team that sticks to our organization. We are strong in our defensive duties. Also a team that knows how to create chances. We scored from many ways in the previous games and that’s again one of our strengths."

“We are not a defensive team. We are a team that knows how to attack, has different ways to punish the team scoring-wise. At the same time, we know how to defend. We need to stick to these things and then we need to take our chances. That was basically what was lacking in the last game. We created chances and we missed a penalty, we all know about it. So, now we just think that whatever chances we get we are going to score.”

ALSO READ: Odisha Vs NorthEast United Preview: Juggernauts in search of first win

Lack of finishing

NorthEast United have had their fair share of chances which were not converted, including two penalties. On being asked if finishing off chances was a problem for his team, Gerard Nus said, “ I think the most difficult part in a football game is scoring goals, that’s the hardest thing. It happens to all the teams in the world. I am not concerned. I would be worried if we were not capable of creating chances. We do and that’s why I know the goals will come. I am sure tomorrow is going to be a perfect chance for us to prove it.”

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New assistant coach speaks

Accompanying head coach Gerard Nus was newly-appointed assistant coach Alison Kharsyntiew. The former Shillong Lajong head coach was very happy with his team’s performances so far. “The team has been performing very well so far. You could see not only the locals but also the foreigners, who have shown good character on the pitch. They have shown a fighting spirit in every game and have shown a positive energy in every game.”

This is Kharsyntiew’s first season in the Indian Super League and he spoke about his experience so far. “I am feeling excited and very grateful to be here. I can’t wait to be with the team and help the team to achieve their goals.”

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