ISL 2022-23: We created a lot of problems for Chennaiyin FC: NorthEast United FC’s Vincenzo Annese

NorthEast United FC’s new head coach Vincenzo Annese believes they created a lot of problems for Chennaiyin FC despite their 3-7 loss at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati on Saturday. The Highlanders were not at their best defensively as they conceded seven goals.

NorthEast United FC have got off to a horrid start as they have lost all of their nine matches of the ongoing season and they are yet to bag their first point of ISL 2022-23.

Meanwhile, El Khayati was the star of the show for Chennaiyin FC as he scored a majestic hat-trick. On the other hand, Wilmar Jordan, Romain Philippoteaux, and Chhara scored for NorthEast United FC but it was not enough against Marina Machans.

Sharing his thoughts on the match after being in charge for the first time, Vincenzo Annese said in the post-match press conference, “Let’s speak about goal scoring, we scored three goals. I think we didn’t shoot the ball before like we did today. I proposed a different kind of football and the guys understood it well. We had just come here with one day of training. We started to change the attitude of players and I think we created a lot of problems for Chennayin FC. We also showed quality in passing and attacking strategy. We need to work in defense and the way we press and stay compact. We need to work in a lot of areas and we will do it.”

Annese expressed confidence in his players and feels the squad will improve despite a poor start to the season.

He added, “I believe this team will always improve, we play different kinds of football and I believe in these players. I don’t want any excuse, we lost 7-3, it’s fine and we will be a different team in the next game and it’ll be a different result. We have a week of training and we will work hard before we go to Goa. I believe in my players and I believe in change, so I’m ready for this challenge.”

The newly appointed gaffer went on to add he wants to change the mentality of the players at the club and feels they need to be more aggressive.

Annese concluded, “The first department I want change in, is the mentality of the players. We need to play more attacking, we need to make more overlaps as I didn’t see one overlap from either side. We play different football and then we start to compete with each team, we will surely bring the change. I need to work with my players first and then look at the market.”

NorthEast United FC will take on FC Goa on 17th December at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Goa.