The Round 11 encounter will see NorthEast United FC, who were defeated by Kerala Blasters 1-4,host Mumbai City FC, in search of their first away victory of the season after their defeat against FC Goa on Friday.
Both NorthEast United FC and Mumbai City FC were at the wrong side of a rout in their previous match and will look for an improved outing when the face each other in hope of qualifying for the semifinals in the Hero Indian Super League. NorthEast United lie in the fifth place with only a two point difference between them and FC Pune City, who hold the last spot for qualifying in the semi-finals, and manager Cesar Farias seemed determined to have a good go at it.
a All teams in the ISL are very hungry and need wins, except for Goa. Every team is in the hunt for victories and that will make games very emotional. Teams who make the best of such emotions will emerge victorious. As we reach the final stretch, every game is a decisive one.a
FC Goa hammered Mumbai City in their previous encounter, but Farias was kind to opponents as he pointed out the different amount of recovery time helped FC Goa post such a huge win.
a Mumbai had three days rest after their last game and Goa had nine days. You can see the difference and how the player performs. Against Kerala (Blasters), we played after three tough away matches. We had also played a match in tough conditions (in Chennai). These are small details but have a big impact on the performance.a
Mumbai City FC marquee player-manager Nicolas Anelka, on the other hand, was critical of his teama s poor performance as he termed the result fair.
a Everything was wrong. I watched the game this morning; we did not do anything to win the game. We did not even try to do something. 7-0 was fair (result).a
The Frenchman though was relieved that the next game has come thick and fast, as it doesna t allow the players on ponder upon the result.
a I look at this as a good opportunity because we do not have to think too much about the game. We have to concentrate on the next game. It will be good only if we comeback with a result. If we lose, it will be worse than the loss against Goa. Ita s good to play straightway.a
Anelka confirmed Sony Norde will rejoin the team on Friday, but he isna t looking to tinker his squad for the match against NorthEast United.
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Image Courtesy: ISL Media
