Defending champions Chennaiyin FC return to the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai after a dismal start to their Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2018-19 season, to play host to an inspired NorthEast United FC outfit, who are yet to be beaten in this campaign. Eelco Schattorie’s men will be far from fazed after having won at ATK’s backyard in their previous match.

Of the many reasons behind the Highlanders’ resurgence this season, central defender Mislav Komorski’s command and sturdy defensive skills stand as one of the most significant jigsaws in the NorthEast puzzle. Ahead of the game, indiansuperleague.com caught up with the Croatian to speak on a variety of topics.

On his reaction after signing with NorthEast United.

When NorthEast signed me, I was surprised. Before that, two clubs were close but talks broke down at the last moment. It is brilliant when somebody from India approaches you, then you are surprised. I’m very far away from my country. India is a very exotic country. When I came here, I saw a very good organisation, good club and good fans. Now I am very happy and I hope it’s the same in the future.

NorthEast United have never qualified for the playoffs, so what can the fans expect from you?

Yeah, I know that last season NorthEast finished in the last position and I hope and I believe that this season things will change. In our first match we played against FC Goa, maybe FC Goa are the best team in the league, and they play good football and have very good players. If we can play as we did against FC Goa, then I think we can play well against everyone. I don’t get scared about our future. Next, we have Chennaiyin FC who are the champions of last season. After the match, I can tell more, but I hope and I believe that we can qualify for the playoffs. Now, it’s too early to say that. We will see everything is open.

On his defensive partnership with Mato Grgic

We played before together at Inter Zapresic. He knows how I play, and I know how he plays, and this is very good for both of us. In some situation, if I had played with an Indian player or someone else from some other country, and I don’t know anything about him, I think that would have been a problem, but now, this is good that we are partners and we will be better in the future.

On NorthEast United’s good record against Chennaiyin.

You know statistics are not important. I hope and I believe that we can take something. Maybe one point or three points. It’s not going to be easy for sure because Chennayin are a very good team defensively specially and offensively too, but I hope that we don’t lose.

Any message for the fans.

When I came here I felt your support. I have never felt that in my country. When we play home or away I feel big support. I will give the best of me, I can confirm that and please just keep supporting us and I promise that I will give my best.