Preparations for NorthEast United FC ahead of the third season of the Hero Indian Super League are well and truly underway with the Highlanders announcing the signing of AFC Champions League winning coach Sergio Farias along with a number of promising youngsters such as Jerry Mawihmingthanga and Lallianzuala Chhangte earlier this month. The addition of seasoned professionals such as Nirmal Chettri, Rowllin Borges, Subrata Paul and youngster Sumit Passi will further bolster the team.NorthEast United FC owner and Bollywood superstar John Abraham shared his thoughts with indiansuperleague.com ahead of the new season. The 43-year-old actor and producer, who has previously admitted to have dreamed about representing India at a football World Cup as a youngster, is upbeat about the Highlanders’ chances this season with a youthful side and an experienced coach at the helm.“As a club we believe in promoting talent from the north-east. This season is no different and we will have nine out of 14 domestic players from the north-east, which according to us will make NEUFC rank the highest in the ISL for regional representation. We also want to attract some of the country's finest talents and this year we have gone ahead and done so. I believe that we are a platform for the north-east to showcase its talent globally. We have always been a youthful side and this year the average age of the domestic squad is 23,” Abraham said.“This season we wanted a coach who can help us challenge for honours, has a track record of promoting the youth, plays attacking football and has experience in Asian conditions. Fortunately for us, Sergio ticked all the boxes,” he added.When asked what his expectations were from the new season, Abraham said: “We are putting together a competitive squad. We have an experienced head coach with over 20 years of expertise in countries like Korea, Thailand, the UAE, China and Brazil. I think our fans deserve a good season for all the unconditional love and support that they have given us so far.”Abraham also spoke about the criteria behind squad selection in the build-up to season 3 of the Hero ISL. “We have an AFC Champions League winning head coach who is working hard to identify players to suit his philosophy and cope with the challenges that the intense two and a half months of ISL bring. He has our complete support and faith.”The 43-year-old also brought to light the massive steps taken by the league in the past two years. “Immense! The strides made by the ISL have been large and I must congratulate IMG-Reliance, Star and the AIFF for their dedicated efforts in creating an ecosystem for football across the country. I especially want to thank Mrs Nita Ambani for ensuring that her vision is inculcated in such a fantastic manner. The TRPs [television ratings] have been fantastic, the quality of play has gone up and the stadiums have been packed. Indian football will only grow from here.”Abraham also stressed that NorthEast are doing everything it takes to offer themselves the best possible chance of lifting the coveted Hero ISL trophy this season. “We are ensuring that the squad is competitive enough and want to leave no stone unturned both on and off the pitch in ensuring that the atmosphere is conducive for Sergio and our players,” he concluded.
