Football

ISL 2023-24: We deserved a draw – Juan Benali after loss against Mumbai City FC

NorthEast United FC head coach Juan Benali feels they deserved a draw after their 2-1 loss against Mumbai City FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, in Guwahati on Sunday. The visitors were the first to take the lead as Jorge Diaz found the back of the net in the 25th minute.

After six minutes, Parthib Gogoi netted the equalizer for the Highlanders. However, Diaz once again gave Islanders the lead in the 37th minute. Both teams created a lot of chances in the second half but the hosts could not get the equalizer they were looking for.

“We played against one of the biggest teams,” Benali said in the pre-match press conference.

“We were there (with them). At least we deserved a draw. We had eight or nine attempts on goal. The players game everything. Parthib was totally dead in the end. We needed to change him, also Romain (Philippoteaux). They kept pressing well and working hard. It was a very hard day for Phalguni (Singh), who lost his father today, but he played and gave everything for the team. I’m happy, proud. Now we need to start thinking about the 29th (for the match against Punjab FC),” he further said.

Benali added it is pivotal to keep believing in themselves and have a killer’s instinct to get the desired results in the upcoming matches.

“We need to believe in ourselves and be less innocent. To bite when we had the chance and to kill. Because when you don’t kill at this level, you get killed. That’s what we need to focus on,” he said when asked about the aspects his side needs to improve.

Midfielder Phalguni Singh did a fine job on his ISL debut whereas Gogoi continued his previous season’s form.

Benali showered praise on the duo, “Every player did his job. We need to correct two or three small things. We will be there, as I said. (We have) good (Indian) talents. The team is working. Talent is not enough, we need a little bit more (time). We cannot push Parthib and Phalguni all the time. They need time. They are so young (to this level) and (instead) if we start pushing them (to deliver) now; maybe we do the contrary and let them free. Let them enjoy their football,” he expressed.

NorthEast United FC will next take on Chennaiyin FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati on Friday.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

“Never expected a very easy run” – Gautam Gambhir reflects on his tenure as coach after IND vs NZ 2024 Test series defeat

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has admitted that he never expected a very easy run… Read More

October 31, 2024

Probably has a lot to do with playing on flat wickets in T20 – Gautam Gambhir on decline of good defensive technique in Test cricket

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir feels T20 cricket has led to the downfall of a… Read More

October 31, 2024

India needs Mumbai Test win before Australia tour – Gautam Gambhir

Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir feels the Rohit Sharma-led team desperately needs to win the… Read More

October 31, 2024

I cannot say just the batters have let us down – Gautam Gambhir feels everyone should take responsibility for series loss against New Zealand

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir refused to blame the batters after the team’s 2-0 series… Read More

October 31, 2024

It was insane – Bronny James after scoring his first NBA bucket

Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James was on cloud nine after he managed to score… Read More

October 31, 2024

I’m happy with my team’s performance: Mohun Bagan SG head coach Jose Molina after win against Hyderabad FC

Mohun Bagan Super Giant head coach Jose Molina was delighted with the team’s performance after… Read More

October 31, 2024