ISL 2023-24: A point isn’t a good result for us – NorthEast United FC’s Juan Pedro Benali after draw against Bengaluru FC

NorthEast United FC head coach Juan Pedro Benalo was not happy with a draw against Bengaluru FC in the 11th match week of the Indian Super League at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on Sunday.

The match ended in a 1-1 draw as both teams shared the spoils. Nestor Albiach scored in the 86th minute through a spot kick for the Highlanders. But Sivasakthi Narayanan scored in the injury time to equalize for the Blues.

In fact, the visitors only had 37.8% possession but took five shots on target in the end.

“A point is not a good result for us,” Benali stated in the pre-match press conference.

“We don’t come here to draw. We never go for a draw. I don’t have a problem with a win or a loss. I like it. We deserve more. But we play against a very strong, big team with a lot of international players. We had many young players on the field. They showed that we can,” he added.

The Spaniard feels Bengaluru FC adopted the same tactics that they have been adopting in the last couple of matches but they were trying to focus on their strengths.

“They (Bengaluru FC) didn’t change a lot for the last two games,” he commented.

“They played (like) the same. We know each other very well. We know the players very well. But we’re trying to focus on ourselves. We’re building a team. We’re building a team with young players and better players. And what we try to do is try to implement our system (for players) so that we can change systems depending on the game,” he continued.

Benali showered praise on players like Macarton Louis Nickson, Huidrom Thoi Singh, Parthib Gogoi, Buanthanglun Samte, and the young guns of the team.

“Macarton Louis Nickson, Huidrom Thoi Singh, Parthib Gogoi, Buanthanglun Samte, and many young players are coming in,” he said.

“We need young players to prepare to win tomorrow, next year. Our management’s objective is clear. It’s to prepare the team to be strong in the future. Macarton Louis Nickson had a great game playing in his hometown. I’m really proud of all,” he signed off.

NorthEast United will next take on FC Goa at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati on Friday.