Ricki Herbert expressed optimism about his side’s chances of finishing in the top four ahead of NorthEast United FC’s clash with FC Pune City in Guwahati. The Kiwi head coach was basing his optimism on his side’s gritty draw with Chennaiyin FC. Herbert called on his wards to draw on the same determination to see them through the second half of the tournament. “I have been pretty pleased with our performances so far. We beat Mumbai on their home turf and drew against Chennai, who in my opinion are a top side. Our performance against Pune was not good, but I am hoping to rectify that,” Herbert said at a pre-match press conference.Famous for being the only coach not to lose a match at the 2010 World Cup, Herbert acknowledged that anybody from amongst the eight teams could now qualify for the top four of the Hero Indian Super League. “I watched Goa’s game against Delhi yesterday and the result was something that nobody could have predicted. If Goa can go on a run, they might end up surprising someone,” the former New Zealand manager predicted. “I am confident in my side’s ability to qualify for the top four. We want to be in and around that cut-off zone and not drop down. If we pull off a win tomorrow, we might jump to third spot. We have to be consistent going forward,” he added.NorthEast United skipper Miguel Garcia stated that he was delighted with the way his team’s defence had shaped up. “We are leading the league in terms of the best defensive statistics. I have spent a lot of time with the young Indian boys ever since I joined up and I am so very happy to see that they have improved by leaps and bounds. They are learning so much from Joan Capdevila and myself, and it augurs well for them and Indian football,” the Portuguese defender said.Herbert also praised his young Indian goalkeeper Rehenesh TP for his impressive performances and tipped him for a great career. “It is good to see that he is repaying the faith we are placing in him. One of our goals was to provide our young Indian lads with exposure and he is making full use of it. If he keeps performing like this, hopefully he will blossom into an important player for the national team,” Herbert suggested.The NorthEast United coach also revealed that he was looking to approach tomorrow’s game with caution and not over-attack, “Even if we win 1-0 tomorrow, we will break into the top four. We will not abandon the defensive solidness that has served us well,” he declared.
