After an underwhelming Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2019-20, NorthEast United FC have placed their trust in Spanish head coach Gerard Nus for the upcoming season. The Tarragona native comes to India with a wealth of experience, having begun his coaching career at a young age. He has worked with the likes of Rafael Benitez, Gus Poyet, Avram Grant and hopes to use his expertise to help the Highlanders achieve their goals and improve Indian football.

“Being the head coach of NorthEast United FC is a great opportunity for my coaching staff and me. I believe it is the right step at the right time. To be honest, there are many reasons why this job attracted me so much; one of them is the passion and the desire that the country has to improve the level of football. This club wants to grow and get better, and I am confident that I can help achieve all its goals,” Nus said in an exclusive interview with indiansuperleague.com.

NorthEast United have produced many talented youngsters who have gone on to perform well for the national team as well as with other Hero ISL sides. While discussing the importance of youth for the Highlanders, Nus spoke about how he intends to use their ‘energy and desire’ to improve the team.

“I am a big believer in helping the young generations and providing them with the right opportunities. We need to take good care of them because they are not only important for the club but also for India as a country. I am sure that their energy and desire to improve will be an essential component for the development of our team,” he shared.

The current COVID-19 scenario is not ideal for any player or head coach, but the Spaniard has urged his team to take care of themselves and stay in top shape for the upcoming campaign. “During these times, it is important that we support our players and make sure that they get to pre-season in the best shape possible. I tell them to be patient and to take care of their bodies because at this moment, everything that they do matters and can affect their performance during the season.”

NorthEast United have qualified for the playoffs just once in their six Hero ISL seasons. When asked about their target for Hero ISL 2020-21, Nus said, “The target of our team is to compete in every game. We want to take it one game at a time and have a clear identity. This club deserves better and we will only achieve the established targets if we work together. I am sure that with the support of our fans, the future will bring great things for NorthEast United FC.”

The 35-year-old also failed to contain his excitement when asked about the Highlanders’ plans for pre-season. “I am very excited to start working with our players. I enjoy seeing them improving and competing against each other. I believe that the great work put on the training ground, always ends up paying off in the games. We cannot wait to be on the pitch with them, we will have a great group that will be hungry to compete and make our fans proud,” Nus said.

“My coaching staff and I monitor the players and communicate with them on a daily basis. We are very pleased to see them evolving and see that they are getting better. We are here to help them prepare so we can all have a great season,” he added.