There are only ten days left until the 10th edition of the Indian Super League . All teams are preparing for the new season. NorthEast United FC is also no less and is working hard ahead of the 2023/24 season.
Before the season opener, coach Juan Pedro Benali and his players Gaurav Bora, Redeem Tlang and Michel Zabaco spoke to the media at the ISL Media Day in Kolkata on Wednesday. Let’s find out what they had to say:
Plans for the next season
The head coach initially shared his goals for the next season. He said the only goal the team has at the moment is the match against Mumbai CIty FC.
“Our first goal is on September 24th against Mumbai City FC. We don’t think beyond that. It is important for us to have a philosophy and a style. We are only thinking about the next game and not beyond.”,
“Football is football all over the world. And it’s no different. We have to improve every day and at the end of the day it’s a football match and there’s no difference, ” he added.
Durand Cup
Juan also shared his feelings about the recently concluded Durand Cup, where his team reached the semifinals. He said: “We consider the Durand Cup as a preparatory tournament. It was important for our players and the coaching staff. Our fitness was not at the top. Of course we believed that we could win and the performance against East Bengal was good and I am happy. We just couldn’t take a penalty. I don’t like to lose even on the cards, imagine a semifinal match.”,
Message to the fans
The Spaniard left a message to the fans, mentioning that the team needs fans in the stands, and not on social networks.
“When we started the Durand Cup, we didn’t think about the semi-finals. It was one game after another. We don’t need fans on social media, we need them in the stands and in training. We can’t promise whether we will win or not, but we promise to make them proud, “he joked.
Thoughts before the new season
Gaurav Bora accompanied his head coach. He was asked about his thoughts before the next season. Bora said the team has learned from its mistakes and is doing much better than last season.
“Last season didn’t go as we expected. We have learned from our mistakes and have been focused since the beginning of the season. We are learning every day and it will not be the last season. We are much better than last season, “he said.
Additional plans
The defender revealed his future plans and mentioned that he wants to represent the national team and win a trophy with the blue jersey.
“I am never satisfied with myself. I want to be in the national team. There is a lot to do and a lot to achieve. Of course, my goal is to play for the national team and win a cup, and I’m looking forward to that, “Gaurav Bora concluded.