Indian Super League: NorthEast United FC to start campaign today
The Highlanders had a dismal campaign last year as they were able to register only one victory in their 20 out-ings. The team will be hoping to end that forgettable stretch against Mumbai
GUWAHATI: NorthEast United FC will be eyeing revival of fortunes from last season as they commence their Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 campaign at the Indira Gandhi Athletics Stadium here on Sunday. Mum-bai City FC will be their opponent in their opening game which will kick off at 8-00 PM.
The Highlanders had a dismal campaign last year as they were able to register only one victory in their 20 out-ings. The team will be hoping to end that forgettable stretch against Mumbai, who have lost the most opening-day fixtures (5) amongst all teams in the ISL.
Talking to the media persons during the pre match press conference here today NorthEast United FC head coach Juan Pedro Benali said, “It’s the first game of the season for us and against a very strong adversary, one of the best teams in the league. Everybody is mentally ready for the game. We are waiting for it. We are hoping for an interesting game.”
He also added: “We have been working for the last two-and-a-half- months. Slowly, the team becomes aware of the individual responsibilities that they have. We are 70% of our potential at this moment. We still need time but the time has arrived to play. We are here to compete and not to have fun. It’s a great game tomorrow and we hope we are ready for it.”
In ISL both the sides earlier faced each other for 18 occasions and NEUFC came victorious for 5 times. Mum-bai city FC won 9 games and the remaining four matches ended in draws.
Meanwhile, talking to the media person tactician of Mumbai City FC Desmond Buckingham said, “I think it’s more important that we focus on what we did last year and now we look to build upon the wonderful season that we had in the ISL last year. Not only am I seeing the results, 18 games unbeaten that won us the League Shield, most goals scored, most goals scored by Indian players and so on. But now, it’s the start of the football that we play. It’s my third season here. Now, it’s upon building upon that success. We are excited to get our season under-way and see what we can do this year."
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