ISL 2017/18: It's not the end of the road for NorthEast United, says Nirmal Chettri

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Nirmal Chettri of NorthEast United [Image: ISL]

After losing 2-1 to Bengaluru FC in the ISL on Friday, NorthEast United's Nirmal Chhetri has still not lost heart and intends to fight until the very end of the season. It was a cagey affair at the Kanteerava Stadium but the game was put to bed by a sublime effort in the second half from Blues skipper Sunil Chhetri.

"I think we played quite well in the last 15 minutes," Nirmal Chettri said. "We tried our best to change the scoreline. Bur Bengaluru defended well."

Following the defeat, NorthEast United remained in ninth place - nine points away from a top four finish. With seven games to go, can they mount a challenge and get the results required to overcome the odds and possibly reach the semi-finals?

"I don't think it's the end of the road for us. We'll come back in the next game and we'll try our best to get back on track."

The Highlanders had got off to a bad start in the tournament with just two wins in the first half of the season.

However, things have looked up since Avram Grant took over the side. NorthEast managed to beat both FC Goa (2-1) and Chennaiyin FC (3-1) - two teams expected to finish in the top four.

"I think it is down to how the dressing room responded. The new coach brought with him a lot of positivity and we've also had some luck.

"It's the same squad at the beginning of the season and the same players must take the team to the end. We'll keep working hard we won't stop and we'll never give up. We'll keep on fighting."

How much can NorthEast United improve their position?

Bengaluru FC coach Albert Roca also praised the NorthEast United side, saying they did not deserve to be near the bottom of the table. He also said the team was improving and he was glad to get three points against a team that will hit its peak towards the end of the tournament.

And Chettri thinks the one thing they need to improve on is their consistency.

"I think we need to keep our focus for every game," he explained. "In one game we're doing well and in the next we're slipping back into the same form [that saw us struggle].

"For us the top four is still important. In the middle of the table it is neck-and-neck." Only six points separate fifth-placed Jamshedpur FC and NorthEast United who have a game in hand.

"Winning one or two games leaves the positions between fifth and seventh quite open. We're not going to give up."

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