'We look at ourselves, not others' - NorthEast United FC head coach Marco Balbul opens up on his team

Marco Balbul (Image Source: Twitter)

NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) managed to win only 3 out of the 20 games that they played in the 2021-22 edition of the Indian Super League and it turned out to be a season to forget for the men under Khalid Jamil, the previous head coach.

The team’s management announced the signing of Marco Balbul as their new coach in August this year. The Israeli coach attended a press conference ahead of the match against Bengaluru FC and opened up on his new stint with The Highlanders.

On being asked about the first match against The Blues, Balbul said that the team will put on a fight against the opponents. Further, Balbul said that the team was all prepared to take on one of the toughest teams in the league.

“We know that it is a tough game against Bengaluru FC who are a strong team and have a good balance - in defence, and in attack. However, we have also come prepared; we have built a new, young team with experienced foreign players that will help us a lot,” Balbul said in the press conference.

We look at ourselves, we don’t look at what others do: Balbul

Further, the Israeli coach said that Bengaluru FC deserved to win the Durand Cup and said that NEUFC is here to play for fans and to play in their own style. “We are here to play our style, do our best for the fans, who are back in the stadiums after a long period, make them happy and win this game for them,” said The Highlanders boss.

Balbul added further that the team will focus on building a new team and a new future. Emphasizing on the facilities available for players, the 55-year-old said that the team has ticked all boxes for the season.

“We look at ourselves, we don’t look at what others do. We must build a new team, that’s what we intend to do and I think we did a good job until now, with the recruitment, the facilities for the players, and the environment at the club. We just need to bring all of this onto the pitch,” said the boss.