Panaji: FC Goa will take on NorthEast United FC in their upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 fixture on Friday, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Goa.
FC Goa returned to winning ways against East Bengal FC last week with a narrow 3-2 victory. Meanwhile, NorthEast United FC played out a 1-1 draw with Kerala Blasters FC.
FC Goa has struggled in their last two home fixtures, losing to Jamshedpur FC and Mumbai City FC. The Gaurs will be keen to avoid a third straight home defeat, which would mark only the third time they’ve lost their first two home games of an ISL season
NorthEast United FC have never been able to defeat FC Goa in consecutive games, setting up a fascinating narrative for this clash. The last time the two teams met in the ISL, the Highlanders overcame the Gaurs 2-0. If they are able to achieve the similar feat again, it will be a new record for Juan Pedro Benali’s side.
“Young players need to adapt to the level of ISL”
FC Goa are looking forward to young players stepping up in the absence of their senior teammates due to injuries and head coach Manolo Marquez urged that the team needs to adapt to situations better than the previous games.
Marquez said, “We have a lot of things to improve on. It’s true that the other day, we played good in some moments, and we need to learn to manage the situations better. We have players with experience, who are injured. We have played a lot of young guys, especially in the form of substitutions, and they need to adapt to the ISL.”
“We will need to play smart against FC Goa”
Juan Pedro Benali is wary of the threat that FC Goa possess and refused to downplay the hosts despite a shaky start to the season.
He said, “It is going to be a very difficult game. It’s a very good team with great players and a very good coach – the national team coach, in fact. He knows each player very well. It won’t be easy. We need to be strong, focused, not give them enough space, and we will need to play smart,” said NEUFC coach Juan Pedro Benali.”
