The Islanders are on the road for the second game in a row, squaring up against a high-flying NorthEast United FC later today.
With a third consecutive win in sight for Jorge Costa, the boss addressed the media yesterday in the pre-match press conference. Here is what he had to say..
On NorthEast United’s strong start to the ISL:
JC: It's true that they've had a good start. I've been watching them for the last few days and in terms of organisation, they're very good. They have good players too. Tomorrow we know we will have a very difficult job to do. But it will be 11 vs 11 and a level playing field. I am confident we can do good things and I hope to go back home with the three points.
On the team grinding out results:
JC: We aren’t doing anything differently. We’ve been together for about 3 months now and I don’t think we’ve made any drastic changes since then. Maybe some minor ones, but that’s needed. Sometimes we play in 3 days, sometimes with a gap of 8-9 days. We have a philosophy to maintain and it’s not conducive to make a lot of changes.
On Assamese boys Alen Deory and Pranjal Bhumij:
JC: I don't like to talk about individual players. I prefer talking about the team. I have 25 players and I am happy with all 25, including Alen and Pranjal. They're good players, they’ve been working hard and waiting for their opportunities.
On whether former NEUFC players Alen Deory and Milan Singh will start:
JC: If nothing major happens, it's the same XI that played against Chennaiyin FC. I think I have answered your question.
On the injuries and suspensions at NEUFC:
JC: We’ve had some injuries too. I have 25 players and I believe in all of them. When Amrinder was out with an injury, I believed in Ravi and he did a great job. I’m sure the NEUFC coach believes in his squad too if there are suspensions or injuries.
