ISL 2019-20 | Everything you saw on pitch was worked on before, says Robert Jarni
NorthEast United manager Robert Jarni revealed on Monday that every move the Highlanders made at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium was practised before in the training ground. The gaffer was also all praise for the fans, who turned up in Bengaluru in the heavy downpour to support the side.
Coming to the home of the defending champions with a side that had just reduced to its bare bones following a mass exodus last summer was an extremely difficult task for the Croatian manager. But, after some initial fumble, the Highlanders put a competitive display and were at the third quarter, better than the hosts.
Jarni, although impressed by it, stated that all of that was practised by the players on the field and he would be having different drills for different teams’ playing style.
“Everything you saw on the pitch was worked on before. This is how we prepared for our match against Bengaluru. Every game is different. For this match, this is how we prepared. It was working, we got the point and could have won the match. We are happy,” said Jarni in the post-match press conference, reports ISL website.
While Udanta Singh and Manuel Onwu came really close to scoring for BFC, it was Martin Chaves and Asamoah Gyan for NEUFC, the latter of whom even shook the bar with a thunderous left-footed strike. And the coach couldn’t be happier for the same.
“We played against the defending champions. It was a very tough game. We still need to improve our game. And, we have to work to gain three points in the next game. It was a very difficult match. They are a very good side. Both sides could have won the match. So, we get one point in a very difficult stadium against a very strong team. I am very proud of my players,” added Jarni.
Apart from the players, the NEUFC fans really turned up for the match and Jarni heaped praise on them stating that he couldn’t wait for their home match against Odisha FC on October 26.Â
“It was a surprise for us to see the NorthEast fans here supporting the team. This is special for the players because they were on the pitch and they felt the support of the fans. We are waiting for our home match to find big numbers at the stadium. We can’t wait to play at home against Odisha,” added Jarni.
