ISL 2017-18: ATK coach praises Hitesh Sharma; NEUFC asst. coach says, the team needs to work on confidence

ATK defeated NorthEast United with a goal towards the end of the match. A beautiful volley from Zequinha ensured ATK the much needed 3 points. Coach Teddy Sheringham expressed delight at the post match press conference.

"It was another difficult game. NorthEast are having a tough time at the moment, but we had to still come here and win. I was very pleased with the way we played, kept probing to try and get the goal and I was delighted when we did get the goal."

Talking about Robbie Keane's injury, he said,

"Robbie has got a little bit of an injury. He’s got an ankle injury, he got kicked on it and twisted it at the same time last week against Bengaluru. We’re assessing his injury as we speak."

He also had words of praise for young lad Hitesh Sharma,

"I think he’s a fantastic little player. He’s playing in a difficult position. But he’s a great lad, he wants to learn, wants to get better. I’ll be around to coach him. I know how hard it is to play in that position even for the older players. He’s only 20, I’ll help him. He’ll get better."

Meanwhile NEUFC asst. coach Eelco Schattorie talking about the match with disappointment, said,

"Before the game started, we made an analysis of Kolkata. This team has problems in scoring and this team is difficult to beat. Before the game started, I said to the coach that this game is going to be decided by a set-piece or a stupid mistake. They scored the goal because two times in a row we gave the ball away. The second one they scored, good quality individual shot. I think a 0-0 would’ve been a fair result. From our side, our team missed a lot of chances."

Speaking about the areas that need improvement, he said,

"Understanding is something that we build. We need to work a lot on confidence and on how to keep the ball. Overall Kolkata was better in ball possession but not dangerous in breaking us up."

He also spoke highly of keeper Rehenesh TP.

"Last week he saved us. Today also he had a few good saves. I have no complaints about the goalkeeping to be honest."

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