ISL 2018-19: "Yes we are dependent on Ogbeche for goals", NorthEast United FC coach Eelco Schattorie
NorthEast United FC left it late to secure the winner against Chennaiyin FC on Republic Day in Guwahati. A late wonder strike from Bartholomew Ogbeche from 30 yards out was enough for Northeast United FC to seal the victory and get a step closer to securing their maiden ISL playoff appearance.
NorthEast United FC was the dominant side today and created tons of opportunities during the course of the game. Chennaiyin FC coach, John Gregory though felt that his team was brilliant today and could have won the game.
"Other teams were taking NorthEast United lightly in the first half of the season due to their past (last four years' results), that helped them pick up points in the initial stages. But, now everyone knows their secret, and they are no more a secret", said John Gregory about NorthEast United FC.
"Well we created around a dozen open chances today, and if that was their plan in countering our play then I have nothing to say, but I don't agree with his (John Gregory) statement that everyone knows our secret", replied Eelco to John's statement that NorthEast's game plan has been revealed.
Chennaiyin has been having a poor season, and they boosted their squad in the January transfer window by getting the likes of Halicharan Narzary and CK Vineeth, but John Gregory believes that the duo is lacking match fitness as they haven't been playing regularly for their previous team, Kerala Blasters.
"I am pleased with the way the boys played especially defensively, NorthEast shouldn't have scored today. Instead, I felt we could have nicked a goal and won the game. Karanjit was brilliant and made some fantastic saves, and our defenders threw bodies in front of the ball and didn't allow them to score. But, then that (Ogbeche goal) happens in the 85th minute. He will never score a goal like that in his life again. To be honest, I didn't think he (Ogbeche) was playing today, didn't see him before the goal. He received the ball and well, with a goal like that Nigeria should have won the World Cup," summed up John Gregory of his version of the game while taking a jibe at NorthEast United's leading goal scorer, Ogbeche.
Eelco Schattorie accepted the fact that his side is over-reliant on Ogbeche for goals but said that as long as he keeps scoring the manager isn't worried. He also stated that given the scenario that he is in, he has no other option other than being reliant on Ogbeche.
"Only the day before yesterday did I have twenty players together for the first time for a practice session during the whole season. We are the team with the lowest budget. It is not a complain but I am just stating the situation we are in. Given the squad we have, we don't have many options other than being reliant on Ogbeche," said Eelco in regards to being over-reliant on Ogbeche for goals.
Panagiotis Triadis, the new Greek-German attacking midfielder for NorthEast United, spoke with Sportskeeda after the game and mentioned that it was a perfect start to his stint in India.
"I say this on behalf of all my teammates, we are very confident of making the playoffs this season and will do everything we can to make it happen," said Triadis in regards to the team's chances of making the playoffs this year.
"Well this isn't the right time to comment on the league, as I just played for 15 minutes and have been here in India for five days, but from what I feel it is a competitive league," said the forward regarding the Indian Super League.
NorthEast United FC next travels to Bengaluru to face the home side, Bengaluru FC in their upcoming fixture.