NorthEast United FC will begin a run of three home fixtures with a clash against Chennaiyin FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium here on Thursday.
The Highlanders are sixth in the Indian Super League (ISL 2024-25) table with five points from four games. In their last match, Juan Pedro Benali’s men held FC Goa 3-3 in Fatorda. On the other hand, Chennaiyin FC shared spoils with Hyderabad FC in a goalless draw.
“We are playing against a team with a peculiar style – Owen Coyle’s Chennaiyin style – and we know it. They are a physically strong team and give you little time to breathe. Playing at home, we hope we can get three points,” NorthEast United FC’s head coach Juan Pedro Benali said in the pre-match press conference.
When asked about Chennaiyin FC being an unpredictable opposition, the coach expressed that any team can be any team on the day and it is the minute details that make the difference.
The team’s Spanish attacking midfielder Nestor Albiach is in his second season at the club and reflected upon the forward step the club has taken.
“We’ve improved a lot compared to last season. Last season the staff and the players were all new to each other. We’ve become better as a team, and we now understand each other better as teammates,” Albiach, 32, said.
The Spaniard scored a brace on his first ISL start this season against FC Goa and emphasised that he is ready to play the role the team needs him to play. “My right position is an offensive midfielder but last season the team and the coach needed me to play as a striker. But my job is to play where the team needs me,” he further added.
Come Thursday, the Highlanders will hope that Juan Pedro Benali’s men will kick-off their home run with three points against a tricky opposition and climb up the ladder in the ISL standings.
( Photo Credit: NEUFC Media)