ISL 2018-19: 3 reasons why ATK lost to NorthEast United FC

#3 Coppell’s questionable strategy

Despite defeat, Lanzarote played an influential role [Credits: ISL]

ATK coach Steve Coppell decided to field the same line-up, which lost to Kerala Blasters in the previous match. As a result, Kalu Uche was again put on the bench and Everton Santos got the start. Everyone was left surprised by the decision as Uche was in superb form for Delhi Dynamos last season. It’s true that jetlag was a concern behind benching him against Kerala. But Uche got four days of practice and it takes enough courage to put him on the reserve bench.

In the pre-match press conference, Coppell said he told the boys to focus more on controlling the ball. But it was exactly opposite in the match as ATK players lost the ball too often and sometimes it created an opportunity for the opponent.

Also, Ralte’s challenge against Nikhil near the centreline was completely unnecessary. ATK were looking strong at that moment and one single red card catapulted the situation in NEUFC’s favour.

But, this is just the second match, with still 16 remaining. For Coppell, ATK players and their fans, all is not lost. ATK defence will look stronger once Andre Bikey comes back. They could well hope for a turnaround as soon as possible.