Drop in concentration levels has cost NorthEast dear: Coach Vingada

Kolkata, Nov 16 (IANS) A drop in concentration levels at crucial junctures of matches has cost NorthEast United FC dear, coach Nelo Vingada said here on the eve of their Indian Super League (ISL) football match against Atletico de Kolkata (ATK) on Thursday.

"More than the mistakes, some things at that moment (during a match) can destroy the game. We are working more on the mental aspects (of players)," the 63-year-old Portuguese told reporters here.

NorthEast have lost four consecutive matches and are currently languishing at the seventh spot in the standings with just 10 points from nine matches.

Explaining what went wrong after a bright start to the tournament, Vingada said, "Against (FC) Goa (which they lost 1-2) we should have scored 2-3 times but we scored only once."

"Our defeats were from situations where we performed well. We need to bring back the concentration we had in the earlier matches. The last game was like a trauma for us."

"I try to encourage the players to score more goals. We have to look to win the game, be more realistic about the fact that we can win games from certain situations," the former Portugal coach added.

NorthEast have an uphill task on hand to qualify for the semi-finals with five games remaining. Vingada though remained adamant, saying nothing is lost yet.

"Still everything is possible. No one is qualified, no one is out. The games we lost, I think we can come back. We are not dead. We should have had more points than what we have."

"We made mistakes in the last few games. Some games we conceded goals from bad situations. We are ready to fight and still have a chance to qualify for the semis."

"We play against a good team (ATK) who I feel should have more points."

On how he is planning to solve the concentration lapses, Vingada said, "We are working with the team and we have our strategies and ideas. We missed many chances in all games. We have had most chances created and failed to score."

"I try to talk to players, use life examples. During training our life revolves around football. Mistakes also happen because opponents sometimes provoke mistakes."

The coach confirmed the team has no injuries and are ready to welcome back striker Emiliano Alfaro who was out of the last game due to suspension.

Vingada also complained of the scheduling of the league.

"We played so many games in short time but we did well. Now there has been a gap and the time between the games has not helped. The organisation is not the best. It is not an excuse and we know we have to lift our game."

--IANS

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