Important to have the fans behind us: NorthEast United FC’s Asheer Akhtar

NorthEast United FC defender Ashneer Akhtar said it is important to have fans backing in the forthcoming season of the Indian Super League.  The Highlanders finished the Indian Super League 2023-24 season in seventh place in the standings with six wins in 22 games and thus could not seal their playoff place.

The club was able to turn the tables in the recently concluded season after finishing as the cellar dwellers in the 2022-23 edition

Meanwhile, Akhtar signed for NorthEast United from Sreenidi Deccan FC and he will look to deliver the goods for Juan Pedro Benali’s team.

NorthEast United FC topped Group E in the Durand Group and will next take on Indian Army FT on Wednesday in the quarter-final clash.

After securing a convincing 5-1 win against Odisha FC, Akhtar said, “This was an important game for us to win and book our spot in the quarter-finals. We have been putting our best effort in all of the games so far and being in the quarters, we have to put in more hard work.

“Having qualified for the quarter-finals for consecutive seasons, we have a good challenge ahead of us. Being a knock-out game the opposition and the competition will be tougher. We have to prepare more and correct our mistakes to be ready for the challenge in the quarter-final,” he further added. 

The center-back added that the Durand Cup is helping them prepare for the upcoming season.

Speaking on the historic tournament’s role in preparing themselves, the centre-back said, “Durand Cup being the kick-starter of the Indian Football season helps us to prepare well for the long season ahead. It also helps us to set up a camaraderie among the players on and off the field. As a team, playing these competitive matches in the Durand Cup makes you ready for the ISL.”

He then went on to speak about the fan’s unwavering support in Kokrajhar and said, “Wherever we have played, be it Guwahati or Kokrajhar, the fans have been there for us. They motivate us, keep cheering for us and help us when we are down and as players, it is really important for us to have the fans behind us. In Kokrajhar too, we have had continuous support from the fans and it is nice to see the fans across NorthEast support us.”