In Nelo Vingada’s words, “It was not a great great game, and it means only 3 points.” Yes indeed, the glitter, glamour and the energy which was pumped into the opening ceremony could not mutate into the game as both the coaches agreed to the fact that it was a dull affair on ground.
NorthEast United got off to a winning start in season 3 of the India Super League, but if the head coach of the team is to be believed, the win was just satisfactory as there is a lot to work upon. “As a coach, I want more. Our preparation was not enough for 90 minutes. I am happy, but we have to play better if we intend to reach further,” said Vingada.
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On being asked about the forward line of the team, which at times looked a little out to shape to receive balls from the wings, Nelo said, “I am working with the team for almost five weeks now, there are a lot of things that the players and the defence don’t know. The first XI that I chose today was the best available because most of the players are not match fit.”
He, however, rightly pointed out that it was the first match and no one can be very consistent in the first game.
NorthEast had too much energy: Coppell
Kerala coach Stephen Coppell too echoed the same sentiments with this being his very first game in India. If he is to be believed, “NorthEast won because they had more energy than Kerala.”
“Both the teams played the same way and cancelled things out. But NorthEast had more composure and we gave the ball away very easily,” said the coach. He complained about no space being available and it was only after the halftime that the team actually got involved in the game.
“We can do a lot better,” the Blasters’ coach further reinstated.
With the team trailing by a goal, coach Coppell surprisingly pulled out his best man; forward Antonio German. On being enquired about the same, he replied that the English player had no legs left to play the full time. And the team needs him to keep the spark on and can’t risk him.
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On a different note, both the coaches also had kind words for the Indian Super League, with both coaches managing teams in India for the first time. “The level of this league is amongst the top 10 in Asia,” said NorthEast United coach Vingada.
NorthEast United next host FC Goa on the 4th of October while Kerala Blasters fly back home, Kochi where they host Atletico Kolkata on the 5th of October.
