Delhi Dynamos FC head coach Gianluca Zambrotta was all praise for NorthEast United FC after their 1-1 draw in the 2016 Hero Indian Super League on Saturday evening. Playing at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi in front of more than 27,000 spectators, the Lions went ahead in the 38th minute through Kean Lewis before Emiliano Alfaro scored his fourth goal of the season to ensure both team split the points. Speaking to the media after the match, Zambrotta said he was happy to get a point against a team ‘that is playing the best football in the league’.

“Don’t forget the opponent we played against today, they played a very strong game and in my opinion the team which we played today is playing the best football at the moment. Yes, I am absolutely happy with my team. Today we did have several opportunities to score like three–four but we didn’t score so this is football and I am very happy.”

Delhi goalkeeper Toni Doblas, who had a good outing against rampant NorthEast attackers, echoed Zambrotta’s sentiments. “The difference is the opponent today. The opponent was NorthEast United FC. NorthEast United FC are a very good team with very good players. This performance from NorthEast United FC is the best performance in the ISL. They played very well physically, created good chances and some good saves too,” the 36-year-old Doblas said.

Delhi started with Badara Badji in their last game against Kerala Blasters FC but on Saturday they returned to Richard Gazde. Zambrotta shed light on his decision of starting with the Ghanaian striker and bringing on Badji in the last few minutes of the game. “The decision to keep Gadze… because they [Gadze and Badji] have different styles. Gadze is a little faster than Badji and in this game tonight it was very important. Badji has different characteristics which we will utilise in another game. We are very happy the way Gadze has performed today,” Zambrotta said.

The Italian also explained why he didn’t start with marquee player Florent Malouda, who played full 90 minutes on most occasions last year. “Last year was last year and this year it is something different and this was just a tactical choice. Malouda is a very important player for us and he is as important for us as Ruben Gonzalez, Toni Dablas, so this was something just tactical.”

Delhi, who have five points from three games and lie third in the table, now host Mumbai City FC on Tuesday in what will be their second home game of the season.