ISL 2018 | Eelco Schattorie asserts he is working under 'huge pressure'

ISL 2018 | Eelco Schattorie asserts he is working under 'huge pressure'

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With NorthEast United failing to qualify for the Indian Super League playoffs in the last four editions, Head Coach Eelco Schattorie has stated that the situation has put him under pressure. In 2017, the team was at the bottom of 10-team league, having won just three matches out of 18.

Despite the poor performance of the Guwahati based side in the past four editions, Schattorie hopes to break the ritual this year. NEUFC had secured the bottom position, while playing in 2017, with only three victories in 18 matches.

“If you have never qualified, you are asked to do so. Yeah, there is huge pressure on me. I believe lower budget and low-quality players don’t matter in football. Everything is possible,” Schattorie told PTI.

Initially, Schattorie was acting as an assistant coach under Avram Grant for the NEUFC. However, with Grant taking up the position of technical advisor, Schattorie has been handed the reigns of the team with former Dempo coach Arthur Papas acting as his assistant.

The NorthEast team consists a blend of Indian players with little experience and some foreign players as well. Former PSG striker Bartholomew Ogbeche has been included in the foreign side of the team. Relatively younger players have been recruited, so the average age of players in the team is less in comparison to the previous editions.

“I want to be progressive, not negative. There is no time to look back. We want to be a united team and try to make that goal realistic one. The young players tend to have a trajectory of being very good one day, and lacklustre on some other day. It’s about bringing consistency,” Schattorie said.

“I always had this belief to be positive. I really enjoy the day I’m on the field. I have no control what is outside. I have a good relationship with the owners, you never know what tomorrow brings. I’m just focused on my goal."

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