Vingada happy with win; Zico says FC Goa can bounce back

WITH THE MAXIMUM 6 POINTS from the first two games, NorthEast United Coach Vingada expressed his satisfaction over his team's performance. At the same time felt for FC Goa saying that result was tough on them. Zico refused to take the defeat as a setback for the league. Both coaches were all praises for Subrata Paul who played a huge role in keeping the Gaur at bay.

"Today was a really tough game. It was a good game. Both sides created very good chances but our goalkeeper was crucial to keep our goal safe. We created very good chances to score. I must say FC Goa are a very good team, good quality players. Some of the players have played at a very high level. I believe FC Goa will be very good contenders because of the quality of the players in their squad. To be honest, I think 2-0 was very hard for them because the result could have been anything since both teams created good chances. The most important thing is our team knows how to respect FC Goa team,” Vingada told after the match, at press conference.

On their first defeat against NorthEast FC since the 2014 ISL edition Zico said,

“I think we played well. We tried our best, we fought but we couldn’t overcome them. This is just the beginning of the league. The first year too we started the league with a defeat but later we overcame it [and reached the semis], and we have to keep going to work on that.”

He continued 
"I think we had a few problems that we couldn’t play any friendly after we got back here in India. I think we created a lot of chances here. But this is just the beginning of the league and we have a lot ahead of us and we are going to keep working,” 

Vingada was of the opinion that having possession of the ball doesn't always gives you goals.  Further said, 

“If we play the same way they do, it is not our style. Even though we finished the game very well by controlling the game by keeping ball possession creating some good attacks in the second half. In football, it is not always the team with more possession that scores more goals. Sometimes football is so attractive, it is the most important sport in the world. I think the win today has put us in a good position for the league. I’ve been in many leagues in Portugal and Asia and these players have quality to play in any of the leagues.”

NEUFC scored the first goal when keeper Kattimani gifted the ball to Alfaro right at the goaline while attempting to pass the ball to his defenders. Zico emphasised that an individual is never to be held responsible for any goal conceded said

“It is not a normal thing that usually happens with Kattimani. He has a lot of experience with us from the last two years. We have been playing together and when we lose, everyone loses. It is not the fault of one person,”

 About how the approach of NorthEast United FC was towards the game Vingada replied 

"We respect how FC Goa were organised. FC Goa started the game very well, even after we scored our goal, they were well organized. In the second half I knew FC Goa will try to bring the game to us so I decided to get faster players like Nico Velez and Seityasen Singh so we could counter-attack. As you saw the second goal was a fantastic counter-attack and we also created some more chances. However, I would like to play the game how we finished it, by controlling the game. I am happier because the opponent team was very strong and we finished the game better than last Saturday.”

One player who was pivotal in the win was the 'Indian Spider man' Subrata Paul, who also got a clean sheet. Zico mentioned

"I think one of the best players in this match was [Subrata] Paul because he caught a lot of good balls."

Not just about Subrata, Zico also spoke well about a good display by ex FC Goa player, Holicharan Narzary

“He played very well and because of it he is in the first team. When he played with us, I was very happy to give him opportunities. I just hope that he keeps playing well and wish him all the best. He had given a very nice pass for the second goal and I hope he helps the NEUFC team a lot,” he said.

NorthEast head to Mumbai for their first away game. The players, though weary after two consecutive matches at home in 3 days, will be hoping to get a third win on the trot. Zico being aware of the recovery factor said

"Yes, this is a problem as our team plays three games in six days. We have to play our next game in less than 72 hours. Some of the players have now played consecutive games. The good thing is this can give the players a very good rhythm. So it is an important part of the preparation. But I am confident as we have some players that haven’t played until now and they can play anytime. It was a good thing that we finished the game with six Indian players and five foreign players, to keep the team in balance”