ISL 2023-24: We deserved a draw – Juan Benali after loss against Mumbai City FC

NorthEast United FC head coach Juan Benali feels they deserved a draw after their 2-1 loss against Mumbai City FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, in Guwahati on Sunday. The visitors were the first to take the lead as Jorge Diaz found the back of the net in the 25th minute.

After six minutes, Parthib Gogoi netted the equalizer for the Highlanders. However, Diaz once again gave Islanders the lead in the 37th minute. Both teams created a lot of chances in the second half but the hosts could not get the equalizer they were looking for.

“We played against one of the biggest teams,” Benali said in the pre-match press conference.

“We were there (with them). At least we deserved a draw. We had eight or nine attempts on goal. The players game everything. Parthib was totally dead in the end. We needed to change him, also Romain (Philippoteaux). They kept pressing well and working hard. It was a very hard day for Phalguni (Singh), who lost his father today, but he played and gave everything for the team. I’m happy, proud. Now we need to start thinking about the 29th (for the match against Punjab FC),” he further said.

Benali added it is pivotal to keep believing in themselves and have a killer’s instinct to get the desired results in the upcoming matches.

“We need to believe in ourselves and be less innocent. To bite when we had the chance and to kill. Because when you don’t kill at this level, you get killed. That’s what we need to focus on,” he said when asked about the aspects his side needs to improve.

Midfielder Phalguni Singh did a fine job on his ISL debut whereas Gogoi continued his previous season’s form.

Benali showered praise on the duo, “Every player did his job. We need to correct two or three small things. We will be there, as I said. (We have) good (Indian) talents. The team is working. Talent is not enough, we need a little bit more (time). We cannot push Parthib and Phalguni all the time. They need time. They are so young (to this level) and (instead) if we start pushing them (to deliver) now; maybe we do the contrary and let them free. Let them enjoy their football,” he expressed.

NorthEast United FC will next take on Chennaiyin FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati on Friday.