ISL 2019-20 | Want to play more attacking football at home, says Robert Jarni

10/26/2019

NorthEast United coach Robert Jarni has stated that they want to play more attacking football and make the home fans enjoy the game, ahead of their game against Odisha FC, who he believes has a strong team. Young defender Rakesh Pradhan also spoke about his debut experience against Bengaluru FC.

The Highlanders will face Odisha FC in Guwahati in their first home match of the season, as they are coming from a well-fought draw against defending champions Bengaluru FC away from home. And, the coach has stated that they want to play more attacking football at home in front of the ever-enthusiastic fans.

NEUFC would be facing an Odisha FC side, who lost their first match 2-1 loss to a 10-men Jamshedpur FC side away from home. And although Josep Gombau has seemingly been struggling with his new set of players, Jarni has called Odisha FC a strong team to play against.

“It’s a different match (Odisha tie). We saw the game between Odisha and Jamshedpur. We know it’s a strong team. They have their strengths. So, we are working on it. At home, we want to play more attacking football and make the fans enjoy the game.” said Robert Jarni in the pre-match conference, reported ISL website.

The Croatian coach was also happy with the NorthEast United squad, which has zero injury concerns. Last season the Highlanders had lost key players in the playoffs to injuries. “The full squad is ready and available. I’m happy because now I can choose. So far, we have no injuries. We have the full squad,” added Jarni.

NorthEast United, in the first match of the season, drew with Bengaluru FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru, which was quite a surprising result, to begin with, given their poor result away in Bengaluru.

Jarni also lauded the performance of former Ghana World-Cupper Asamoah Gyan. Gyan, who found the woodwork against Bengaluru FC and was denied a goal due to offside.

Explaining the importance of the player, Jarni said, “He had two chances to score. It’s always difficult to create chances against Bengaluru because they are a very strong team. For us, he is a very important player because he offers something different. If we can create more chances, for him, it will be easier to score.”

Young Assamese defender, Rakesh Pradhan was also in attendance with the coach after he moved in from I-League side Shillong Lajong. The youngster made his ISL debut against Bengaluru on Monday and explained it as “a different experience”.

“The team, the coaches and the players out there put their trust on me. I want to take it one game at a time.” added the 22-year-old defender.