Hyderabad FC's Thangboi Singto hopes to attack their opponents and make the most of their home advantage as they host NorthEast United FC at the GMC Balayogi Stadium, Hyderabad on Monday during Matchweek 18 of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023–24.

Having no wins to their name from 17 games and sitting at the bottom of the league table, the boys in yellow and black, have shown a glimpse of upward strife, especially in terms of vigour shown by the youngster-packed line-up.

Meanwhile, NorthEast United FC have kept themselves busy building on their progress steadily and have the sixth playoff spot in their grasp. Having won two out of their last five matches and suffered just one defeat, they are eighth on the point table with 19 points from 16 games.

Singto started by addressing the good amount of preparation time he has received ahead of their match against NorthEast United FC, in contrast to the hectic run of games before this fixture and felt it was a must-win game for his team.

"We had four, five days to prepare against NorthEast United FC, which is good for us in terms of the players," Singto said at the pre-match press conference.

"Some players were playing regularly and it was bound to take a toll on their fitness. NorthEast United FC are fighting for the top six at the moment. In our previous match against them, we drew and since then they have changed a lot in terms of their tactics. In our case, we just have Joao Victor and Ramhlunchhunga who played against NorthEast United FC. It's a fresh start against NorthEast United, with the younger boys. But it's our home match and we have to win and that's our approach," he added. 

The 49-year-old stressed the need for his side to be clinical to post their first win of the season. He also assessed the opponent's strengths ahead of their visit.

He said, "They have not just Tomi Juric but also Nestor (Roger), and Jithin (Subran) on the right and strong defence with (Miguel) Zabaco leading as captain and of course the Indian goalkeeper Mirshad (Michu), so they have been doing well."

"They don't play that much risky or flashy football but they have a very organised team, they know when to counter, and defensively they are quite strong. We have to attack them in the best way we have been doing in the previous games, in which we created chances. Now it's about the conversion of those chances," he added.

We are gaining on-field experience: Abijith PA 

Hyderabad FC midfielder Abijith PA joined head coach Singto during the pre-match press conference ahead of their game against the Highlanders. The 20-year-old was promoted to the senior squad after the international break and made his debut in the match against Bengaluru FC.

When asked about his experience working with the senior squad, he said  "It's been a good experience working with the team and we are trying our best."

He gave his take on the team's approach going forward with five league matches left to play this season for Hyderabad FC.

"We want to make the most of our remaining five games and earn some points," he stated.

Finally, the youngster spoke about the learnings he and the rest of his younger teammates have gained from this experience "We are gaining on-field experience and knowledge and there is still more to absorb and grow from this experience," he mentioned, as the press conference came to an end.

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ISL2023-2024 Thangboi Singto