Published 18:44 IST, October 21st 2019
ISL: Robert Jarni believes NEUFC can do 'something good' against BFC
NEUFC face a tough test in their opening ISL fixture against defending champions Bengaluru FC. Coach Jarni believes new squad can do something good against BFC.
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NorthEast United face a long trip to the city of Bengaluru, as they gear up to face Bengaluru FC in the sixth edition of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL). Bengaluru FC are the reigning champions of the ISL, having prevailed over FC Goa in the final last season. NorthEast United (NEUFC), meanwhile, have opted for an overhaul in personnel and management this season.
The Highlanders will face a tough test as they visit Bengaluru FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Monday, October 21. The last meeting between the two sides at the same venue didn't go too well for the visiting side, as NorthEast United succumbed to a 3-0 defeat in the second leg of the playoffs last ISL season. This season, however, is a whole new ball game, as NorthEast United sport a number of new faces in the dugout.
NorthEast United have chosen Robert Jarni to replace Eelco Schattorie, who was lured away from the Highlanders by Kerala Blasters this season. Schattorie also chose to take NorthEast United's top scorer Bartholomew Ogbeche with him down south. Indian international Rowllin Borges also chose to switch sides this season, leaving the Highlanders for The Islanders, Mumbai City FC. Robert Jarni, however, was in high spirits as he spoke at a press conference last week.
Bengaluru FC vs NorthEast United: Robert Jarni unfazed by Bengaluru test
Robert Jarni, who attended his first-ever ISL press conference, stated that even though the Highlanders face a tough test in their opening fixture against the defending champions, NorthEast United were well equipped to stand to the task. The former World Cup bronze medallist said that NEUFC believe that they can do something good against Bengaluru FC. He further went on to say that the game against Bengaluru FC is among the most exciting fixtures of their season and that the Highlanders were well prepared to take three points from the game.
Incidentally, it was Bengaluru FC that knocked NorthEast United out of the competition in the sem-final last season. Winger Panagiotis Triadis, however, insisted that the Highlanders will not be bothered by the scars of last season's semi-final defeat. He further went on to say that even though NEUFC have a number of new faces in the squad, the game against Bengaluru FC is bound to be an exciting one. It's safe to say that NEUFC's new signing Asamoah Gyan will be one of the players looking to make a mark for NEUFC in his debut season in the Hero Indian Super League. Bengaluru FC, meanwhile, will bank on their strong Indian contingent to guide them to victory in their season opener.
17:42 IST, October 21st 2019