ISL 2017/18: VAR a tricky subject in football, says NEUFC assistant coach Elco Schattorie
NorthEast United FC host Chennaiyin FC, which is a bit of a do-or-die encounter for the Highlanders, tomorrow at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati. Chennaiyin though will be without their manager John Gregory who is suspended by the AIFF for four games. NorthEast United Fc, on the other hand, have no such issue and will also be able to play their new recruit Helio Pinto, as the transfer market is now officially open.
“VAR is a tricky subject to speak on, technology is something is which has made life easier. However, it has also made people lazier, which is the same with football. There are various elements in football that one needs to take into account, but personally I support VAR for only offside and Goalline technology, it shouldn’t be used for other things” Elco Schatorrie voiced his views about VAR and whether it should be used in ISL or not.
“Well I personally am not in favour of the VAR, even from a players point of view I feel VAR will hamper the speed and spirit of the game... even the tempo and flow of the game will be lost, so I feel VAR should not be implemented even though it will improve a bit of the decisions. But ultimately the decision lies with the league organisers on whether to implement it or not,” said Syed Shabir Pasha Chennaiyin’s Assistant coach on VAR and whether it should be implemented or not.
Taking into account both the coaches’ views one can easily say that while Elco wants it used but in a minimum manner restricted only for goal line and offsides, Shabir Pasha is completely against the use of VAR in the ISL.
The mood in the NorthEast United dressing room seems to be quiet relaxed and motivated to perform against the high-flying Chennaiyin FC. The unhealthy atmosphere that was present in the dressing room during the Deus era has been eradicated and the players are all willing to perform and they want to get better.
Shabir did mention that even though his side didn’t have any injury worries they are all going to miss John Gregory who is suspended for the match tomorrow, and the whole team wants to win it for John tomorrow.