Head Coach César Farías said he took full responsibility for NorthEast United FC’s 1-3 loss against Kerala Blasters FC after their opening match of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) campaign. “I would like to take full responsibility for the loss. Two goals that we conceded today came from throw ins. We have practiced defending such situations on the training ground countless number of times. But when it does not translate onto the pitch during the match, I repeat, I take full responsibility for the same.”
NEUFC conceded three goals in the second half in heart-breaking fashion, but never gave in till the last minute as they fought and scrapped to eke something from the game. Argentinian striker Nicolas Velez gave a demonstration of why he can be one of the best strikers in the league as he cut in from the left, leaving his marker for dead and curled a peach of a shot past Kerala Blasters goalkeeper Stephen Bywater into the far corner to provide a consolation on the night.
The Highlanders had more possession overall and worked neat passing combinations all throughout the game. This was something that the Head Coach took positives from, “I am happy with the way we kept the ball and tried to play the game, if you know what I mean. I am happy that the Indian boys showed courage and played with the ball on the ground. We are on the right path and if we keep at it, we will win, I can assure you that!”
The Venezuelan gaffer appeared to be slightly miffed with the amount of time that was taken to treat and assess injuries towards the last quarter of the match, “Football is a sport that needs to played as continuously as possible. The referees should try and ensure that when injuries happen or when a player goes down, if there is treatment needed or if the player needs to go off the field, the decisions should be taken quickly. You cannot keep tumbling down and asking for help. It just breaks the momentum of the game.”
He also conceded that the Blasters were a good side and that he had no complains about the loss, “They beat us fair and square… Congratulations to them. They are a strong side. But the ISL is a marathon and not a race, we will try and put this right in the next game.” He also admitted that Miguel Garcia’s injury was a setback during the game, “After 15 minutes we lost Miguel. It was disappointing, but we need to improve. From day one, we were committed to develop the game to a great level. If we keep developing this way steadily, we will win.”
The former Venezuelan national team manager refused to attach any blame to TP Rehenesh for his performance on the night, “He conceded three goals but that’s because there were areas [that were] unmarked, and we have to work on that immediately. Rehenesh did what he can and he’s fine.”
The Highlanders will now travel to play FC Pune City away in what promises to be an equally tough encounter. Pune won their first game against Mumbai City FC and will pose a tough challenge for NEUFC. The team needs to put this result behind them and gear up for the next battle.
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