In what turned out to be the most entertaining encounter of the 2018-19 Hero Indian Super League (ISL) campaign so far, NorthEast United FC held FC Goa to a 2-2 draw at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Monday. A brace from Ferran Corominas cancelled a goal apiece from NorthEast debutants Federico Gallego and Bartholomew Ogbeche.

From the Highlanders’ end, head coach Eelco Schattorie was present at the post-match press conference to take questions from the media. The Dutch was pleased with the result, given the inexperience and lack of fitness of some of his players. “If we look at our pre-season, we needed two more weeks to get fit. We have not been really tested in terms of our fitness. So, the result that we got was a good one. Goa is with the same coach and almost the same players. So, their strategy and way of playing are implemented and for us, we are still playing. We got a bit of a lucky goal in the first half. In the second, we did pretty well except for the last 10-12 minutes. But overall, I am happy with the 2-2.”

Talking about TP Rehenesh, the 46-year-old commended his performance throughout the 90 minutes and also leapt to his defence after the custodian came under criticism. “I think TP made some good saves throughout the game. I think like any goalkeeper in India, he lacks certain stability. He can sometimes take lesser risks but overall, I am happy that he is in our team.”

From the opposition dugout, Sergio Lobera answered the media’s questions, where he rued the absence of Brandon Fernandes and Edu Bedia in the middle of the park, which was quite evident throughout the match. “Obviously, it is good when all the players are available, especially in games like today. We missed Brandon and Edu as a result. But I don’t want to use that as an excuse. As a coach, I have to work to find solutions for every situation.”

Talking about the first goal that the Gaurs conceded, the Spaniard pointed out the two mistakes which could have been prevented in the build-up. “There were two mistakes. The first was that the goalkeeper handled the ball outside the box. The second mistake was to allow the other team to play quickly and score the goal.”

Read the match report here.