KOLKATA: "It's going to be difficult for us. I hope we can make it difficult for Mohun Bagan SG, too," NorthEast United FC head coach Juan Pedro Benali said at Saturday's press conference in Guwahati before leaving for Kolkata to take on Mohun Bagan Super Giant in their second match of the Indian Super League season.
Monday's match at the Salt Lake stadium will be the Kolkata giants' chance to avenge their Durand Cup final defeat at the same venue and get back to winning ways after a 2-2 opening draw against Mumbai City last week.
Hence, the Highlanders are not letting their late win against Mohammedan Sporting in the first round give them any illusion of the task ahead.
"When you are playing Mohun Bagan, you don't need any other motivation. We are going to play Mohun Bagan, in their field, again. We know they are waiting for us around the corner. They want revenge. And that is motivation. We are warriors and we don't put our arms down," said Benali.
And NEUFC's challenge has been compounded by the fact that some of their players have been under the weather with common flu.
"The flu arrived in the dressing room and when it does, it's tough," regretted the Spaniard. While Benali was unsure of their availability for the marquee game here, TOI was able to learn that they were doing better on Sunday. The Spanish coach also spoke of the players' desire to continue being part of the team's perfect start to the season.
"I spoke to some of the players who are sick. They couldn't come for training this (Saturday) morning and they were nearly crying. They want to be in. And that's the feeling, that's the spirit you want. Everyone is ready," was his ultimate declaration.
It is bound to be an anticipated game for fans on both ends, especially with the Durand Cup context added to it. But the Highlanders don't want to think of the roaring support that their opponents will enjoy as a disadvantage but a testimony to the beauty of the game.
"Sometimes, we give too much importance to the fact that fans are against us. But I will tell you something, I don't understand what they are saying. Sometimes, when we are strong mentally, we think that they are in our favour, too. We love to see a stadium full - we like to see it here and it's the same there. It's very good for football," said the NEUFC coach.
"In the end, on the field, we are eleven, they are eleven and there's the referees. That's it." The rest will unfold for the fans on Monday.
