NorthEast United FC suffered a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Kerala Blasters FC in their Hero Indian Super League Season 2 (ISL) encounter in Kochi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Tuesday. NorthEast head coach Cesar Farias, in the post-match press conference, admitted his team needed improvement. ”We're not disappointed at all. It was a tough game but we’re here to improve our game and constantly tumbling down does not help. I take full responsibility for the result and we've got to work on our weaknesses,” the Venezuelan said.

“At times it looked like the home team was controlling ball possession. Unfortunately, we had an injury in the first 15 mins [Miguel Garcia]. But the game has to improve in terms of time on the ball and flow of the game. From day one, we were committed to develop the game to a great level. Keep developing this way and we will win,” he added.

Rehenesh TP, NorthEast United FC’s golden gloveman last season, had a bad day at the office. On his performance, Farias commented, “He conceded three goals but that’s because there were areas [that were] unmarked, and we have to work on that immediately. Rehenesh did what he can and he's fine.

Farias was gracious in defeat. “Kerala Blasters FC won it fair and square. You cannot keep falling down and asking for help; that is unnecessary. There are no excuses here. Kerala deserved to win, but the game has to develop and everyone has to contribute to that,” he said.