ISL 2021-22: We must maintain the rhythm and keep fighting – NorthEast United FC’s Khalid Jamil

NorthEast United FC head coach Khalid Jamil stated that they must maintain the winning impetus and they will look to continue fighting in the ongoing Hero Indian Super League 2021-22 season. The Highlanders registered their first win of the season in their previous match as they defeated previous edition runners-up FC Goa by 2-1.

NorthEast United have thus played four matches in which they have won a solitary game while two matches have been drawn and one has ended in a draw.

Jamil reckons it will be crucial for them to keep up the winning momentum in their next match against Odisha FC, which will be played at the Tilak Maidan Stadium on Friday.

Jamil said in the pre-match press conference, “Everybody is confident (after the win over FC Goa). We must maintain this rhythm. We must fight. Talking about Odisha FC, they are a good side. They also played very good football and started very well this season. They are tough opponents, we have to be alert all the time. And this match is very important for us”.

The Highlanders gaffer admitted that his team will have their work cut out against Odisha FC, which are known for their good aggressive as well as defensive play. Odisha have won two out of their three matches while they have lost one in the ongoing season.

Jamil added, “Talking about this, as I said they are a good side, they play as a team. Defensively, they’re also strong attacking-wise they scored more goals. So we have to be alert, and talking about our team we must play our normal game. This game is very important for us”.

The team’s chief coach added that the side has been missing the services of their talisman Fredrico Gallego, who has been ruled out of the remaining season with a knee injury. Jamil named the players who can fill in the big shoes of the Uruguayan.

Jamil concluded, “Talking about (Fredrico) Gallego, we missed him in all the matches we played, especially last game and in the coming matches he will not be there but we have the replacement for him. As he played defensively, Imtan (Khan) is there, Gani (Nigam) is there, Mapuia (Lalkhawpuimawia), William (Lalnunfela), we will try anyone from them to play this match”.