NorthEast United FC head coach Khalid Jamil wants his team to be focused and put their best foot forward as they take the field against ATK Mohun Bagan in match 37 of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2021-22 season at the PJN Stadium in Fatorda, Goa, on Tuesday.

Jamil’s men would be keen on continuing their form after securing the three points against SC East Bengal in their last game. While the mood in the dressing room is upbeat, Jamil wants his team to concentrate on Tuesday’s game and be positive.

The NorthEast United FC head coach and midfielder Khassa Camara addressed the media in the pre-match press conference ahead of Tuesday’s game.

Here are the excerpts from Jamil’s press conference:

ATK Mohun Bagan haven’t been at their best this season and with Antonio Habas gone, do you think this is an added advantage to get all three points on Tuesday?

Jamil: We’re not thinking about their team, we’re focused on ours. We did good work last year. To maintain the same level, we have to work hard.

What are your thoughts on the game against ATK Mohun Bagan on Tuesday?

Jamil: We’ll head onto the game in the same way we’ve approached the other games, we won’t be changing anything, but we have to think positive, go on the pitch, work hard and we’ll get what we want.

How’s the mood in the dressing room after the victory against SC East Bengal in the last game?

Jamil: About the last game, we did good work, but we have to maintain it. ATK Mohun Bagan is a good team with quality players, but we must focus on our game and give our best.

You’re facing a lot of injury issues which is sort of forcing you to play more young Indian players. So, how happy are you with the performance of the young Indian players in the squad?

Jamil: Yes, I’m happy with all the players, they’re working extremely hard there’s no doubt about it. Talking about injuries, they’re a part of the game, we have to solve the problem, we have enough players who are getting their chances. So, we must think positive because that is the only solution.

The Highlanders’ midfielder Khassa Camara was also present at the press conference and addressed the questions put forth:

You scored the goal against FC Goa in the last minute of the game. What hit your mind that made you decide to shoot the ball?       

Camara: It’s a part of the game, I don’t think about it. I wouldn’t just think about scoring the goal, I have to think about what’s happening in the game and understand the situation then I’ll make my best decision at that moment.

How’s the mood in the camp after the last match?

Camara: The mood is fairly good; we enjoyed the victory because it was an important one. As a team, we try to be together, to work together, and to have fun together. So, we have to keep going like this and we will try to get a good result to keep this kind of mood in the club.

You’ve had a brilliant season so far. In the absence of Federico Gallego, you’ve taken control of the midfield. What do you have to say about that?

Camara: It’s true, we miss Gallego, he was one of our main players, but we have a big team, we have many players, we have to find another solution because he’s not here anymore. I try to give my best as a player and if I can help the team to win tomorrow, it would be great.