NorthEast United FC take on FC Goa at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Saturday in their first match of the new year in Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18. It will be the first of three crucial matches at home for the Highlanders which they must look to make the most of if they’re hoping for a turnaround this campaign. While speaking exclusively with indiansuperleague.com before the game, midfielder Malemngamba Meitei shared his thoughts on the season and the upcoming fixture. Here are the excerpts.

This is your first season in the ISL – please share your experience with us.

I’ve been waiting for this chance. The kind of environment in the ISL is helping me build as a player and grow stronger. I’m hoping for a good result this time.

What do you think NorthEast need to do to turn things around?

I think some good luck will help turn things around and all the hard work will pay.

You’ve got three crucial matches coming up at home – so how important is it to win tomorrow?

Yeah, we are very focussed on the first game after the new year and we will take it from there.

What is the mood in the camp like?

Everyone’s focussed, we can’t afford to lose games now. Everyone is trying to give their best this time.

Does it worry you that NorthEast have scored only two goals so far in the season?

I don’t worry much because we are trying to forget about the past and do things better in the present.

Coming to the new technical advisor, Avram Grant, what do say about his role?

I woke up today in the morning and saw that he is coming here. I hope he can turn things around.

Who’s your best friend in the team?

Reagan Singh.

Who’s the best foreign player in the ISL?

Marcelinho from FC Pune City.