ISL 2018 | Hope we can exploit FC Goa’s weaknesses, reckons NEUFC coach Eelco Schattorie

NorthEast United FC have undergone a major revamp after they opted to part ways with former coach, Avram Grant. Dutch coach, Eelco Schattorie, is highly optimistic of his team’s chances this season as they kick-off their campaign in a tough counter against Sergio Lobera’s FC Goa at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Monday. Schattorie, who was part of NEUFC’s backroom staff last season, will hope to get off to a good start with his new-look team and create history this year by securing a playoff spot for the first time ever. 

“Last season, I had a chance of playing FC Goa twice. Both games we got a result - one win, one draw. They were based on a certain weakness that I saw in that team and hopefully, we can exploit that tomorrow. Having said that, we have almost a 70-80% new team and we will have to get used to my way of working and my strategy. Goa looks more set. They mostly have the same team, they have the same coach and not many changes in the team. So, that will surely play as an advantage for them. But, I know where their weaknesses are and I hope we can exploit them,” the Dutch manager explained at a pre-match press conference.

The 46-year-old also spoke about how he would like to do things differently this time around as he explained, “Last season, I was not in control of the team. I was part of the team, but the decisions were made by Avram Grant and we basically did that together. The new season started, but my appointment was very late. It was at the last moment. The only thing I will like to do or want to do is prepare my players as well as possible for the upcoming game.”

Meanwhile, Spanish coach - Sergio Lobera will hope that his high-flying FC Goa team can repeat last year’s exploits and secure a playoff spot this season as well. The Gaurs have retained most of their squad from last season who managed to make a huge impact in the league in 2017. 

“We’re very happy with the work we’ve managed to do so far. I think we’ve managed to incorporate the new players very well. We’ve had an opportunity to train in some of the best facilities over the past 24 days. The feeling and the sensation we’ve had has been very positive and we are very excited to get started tomorrow,” Lobera told reporters.

Lobera & Co. have a formidable attack and always score a good amount goals across the length of the season, but their weakness lies in their defence. However, the Spaniard was optimistic that his backline was more solid this year and added that he will not compromise on his attacking style of play.

“It’s clearly the coach’s job, running through as many things as he possibly can, and I imagine, defence is something we could have worked on last season. So that is something we’re going to be working towards this season. “

“It’s true that we have to limit our attacking abilities a little bit more, but given the season we had last season, where we broke so many records, it will be a little difficult. But having said that, we are a team built to be offensive, so we’ll be taking risks and certain elements of play will be more attacking in that sense. I always prefer to win a match by two goals than one,” he added.