NorthEast United FC welcome Delhi Dynamos, as they look to book their place in the play-offs of the Hero Indian Super League on Saturday.
Fellow playoff spots aspirants go head to head, as Delhi Dynamos make the trip to Guwahati to face NorthEast United FC in match 49 of the Hero Indian Super League.
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NorthEast United FC, who finished at eighth place last year, made a poor start to the season by losing their first three matches, but Cesar Farias managed to oversee a turn of fortunes and are now in contention for a spot in the semis when they face third placed Delhi Dynamos. Farias was defiant in the press conference, as he insisted on winning matches and not look into mathematics to qualify for the next stage when quizzed about the qualification scenario.
a I don’t know the mathematics. I’ve come here for the football.
a This is a great chance for us, beautiful opportunity. First we have to focus on Delhi. There are two finals and this is the most important one. We are playing two direct opponents who are fighting for qualification. Every point will be very important,a said Farias.
NorthEast United would be ruing to have left two points from their previous match against FC Goa and will need at least five points to guarantee their spot in the semis, but Delhi Dynamos coach Roberto Carlos is wary of the Highlanders.
a NorthEast is a very good team with a good coach and great players. It’s a team with impressive speed and clever players. This will be a good game,a said Carlos.
Roberto Carlos, though, cana t seem to forget how his team had to share a point in Delhi, after Simao Sabrosa made a superb impact after coming in the game with his brilliant free-kick.
a If Simao had not scored that brilliant goal, I would have chilled out here.a
But Delhi Dynamosa lack of goals has hardly had any impact and is putting a brave face infront of the media by citing the examples of Mumbai City FC and Kerala Blastersa inability to defend their leads.
a Mumbai (City) and Kerala (Blasters) scored more than us but they are out. Most of the times, the numbers really do not explain everything. Everyone is entitled to his own opinion but since the ISL started, Delhi is among the teams in the first four. This is what makes me happy,a said Carlos.
Image Courtesy: ISL Media