NorthEast United FC’s unbeaten run in Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2018-19 came to an end on Friday as Mumbai City FC edged past the Highlanders 1-0 at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati. Arnold Issoko’s dramatic first-half goal proved to be the difference between the two sides and with three wins on the spin, the Islanders jumped to the 3rd place in the table.

At the post-match press conference, Mumbai head coach Jorge Costa was extremely happy with his team’s overall performance and shared his thoughts on the game. "I don’t remember them having too many chances to score in the first half. They had one hit. It’s true that they had more ball possession than us, but it’s also true and clear that we had more chances to score than NorthEast in the first half. In the second half, in the first five minutes, we had three clear chances to score. So, defensively I’m very happy. Offensively I’m happy too, but honestly, I think we could finish the game earlier because we had chances to score,” he said.

The media also asked Costa if his strategy on the night was influenced by Jose Mourinho, under whom he has played in the past. “I had this opportunity to play at a high level with very good coaches and I learnt a lot with all of them. Also, with some coaches, I learnt what not to do in football. But the story finishes here. I’m Jorge Costa, I’m not a copy of anyone,” Costa stated.

Mumbai players pressed their opponents from the get-go and didn't allow NorthEast players any time on the ball. The strategy worked, but also earned Mumbai four yellow cards. When asked about his team's seemingly aggressive approach, the Portuguese said, "Sorry, but this is not my opinion. I will have to see the game again but this is not my opinion. This is not ballet, this is football. In football you have contact and you must be aggressive in a good way. And fortunately, my team has this aggressiveness in a positive way,” Costa opined.

Costa’s opposite number, Eelco Schattorie started off by sharing his thoughts on the goal they conceded, which he thought, could have been ruled out. "Today’s goal, I have to see the goal on video. But I’m 99.9% sure that was a handball and a foul. If the ball went over the line, I don’t know. I cannot see it. But I was almost sure there was a foul and a handball before that. So, that is really painful. Again, we have to accept that," he said.

He continued by evaluating his side’s performance and clearly expressed his disappointment with the result. "We tried to do everything we could to at least go to a draw. I think we had a lot of chances. The goalkeeper saved them. There was only one team that tried to play football, tried to go forward. Also, today my holding midfielder had to play as a centre back. Then I think there was only one team that at least deserved a point and maybe a win. I don’t know. But overall, it’s a very very painful loss," he said.