NorthEast United FC played out a 2-2 draw against Mumbai City FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Wednesday. The result means the Highlanders remain unbeaten in the Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2019-20 after five matches and now have nine points from five outings with two wins and three draws under their belt.

At the post-match press conference, NorthEast’s assistant coach Khalid Jamil addressed the media. Speaking about the match, Jamil said, “Everyone gave it their best. There was a lack of concentration which cost us all three points but these things happen in football.”

The Highlanders had less of the ball and played mostly on counter-attack – a trait not quite associated with this NorthEast team, especially at home. Asked if Mumbai City FC’s attacking intent forced them to adopt the style, he said, “We played as per head coach Robert Jarni’s plans. We mixed attacks as counter-attack.”

Reminded of the team’s unbeaten record so far, Jamil commented, “We are not thinking about our unbeaten status. We just concentrate on our job match by match. We have to go into every match with the intent of giving our best.”

When pointed out that with Kai Heerings suspended, NorthEast’s defence looked a little weak on the night, the 42-year-old opined, “There were no weakness. But there was a lack of concentration. Nim (Dorjee Tamang) was playing his first match for us. But he and Mislav Komorski both grew into the game slowly.”

Nim Dorjee’s missed clearance directly led to Mumbai City’s second goal of the night. Discussing the incident, Jamil stood behind the young centre back and said, “He lost his concentration in that moment. If you see his overall performance, he was good. Everyone was good. Football is a team game not an individual sport.”

Read the Match Report here.