NorthEast United FC head coach Khalid Jamil feels there is still a lot to fight for despite being ruled out of the semi-final qualification race in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL).

Ahead of the match against ATK Mohun Bagan on Saturday at the PJN Stadium, Fatorda, Jamil expressed that players now have the opportunity to freely express themselves against good teams.

Head coach Khalid Jamil along with Marco Sahanek attended the pre-match press conference.

Here are excerpts from the press conference:

How do you see this match with NorthEast United FC having nothing to lose?

Jamil: We cannot say that it is an easy game, it is important because we have four matches left and we are playing against good teams. Everybody is ready and motivated to play this game.

Is it the right time now to give players who haven’t gotten a chance to play?

Jamil: We’ll have to see who is available to play and in what position, they will get the chance as it is equally important for us.

How do you motivate players in such a scenario?

Jamil: Everybody is professional, they know that. They can still perform well and get a good contract for next year. Everybody is motivated to play for themselves and the team. We are not taking this match lightly at all. This is a good opportunity for players to express themselves.

Will we see you experiment with your style of play?

Jamil: We are playing against a good team, they might have some players missing but it doesn’t mean that we have to do anything differently. We have to do anything to get the three points.

What positive do you take from the season?

Jamil: It is again a good opportunity for players to show skills. We still have four matches, give your best and everything will be fine.

Here are excerpts from the Sahanek’s press conference:

What has your experience been like in your debut season of the Hero ISL?

Sahanek: It is a very good league with good players including the foreigners and Indians. It is not easy to come from a different league and country and adapt to another league but so far it has been okay. We will continue to give our best.

How has it been to play inside a bio-bubble?

Sahanek: I am trying to show my best and help the team. So far, I haven’t scored but I will continue to give my best. I hope I can help the team and we start to win.

What is it like to play under coach Khalid Jamil and along with Marcelinho?

Sahanek: The coach is very good. He tries to help us every time. Marcelinho is a very good player, the Indian players can learn a lot from him. He is very good to have in the team.