It was another agonizing second half for NorthEast United coach Nelo Vingada as he saw his team come from one goal up to succumbing to a 1-2 defeat. A visible brilliant first half for the home team escalated into a nightmare when Atletico de Kolkata substituted their marquee signing Helder Postiga. And the home team Coach knew exactly what hit, the brilliance of a fellow countrymen.
“Postiga was pure class. It was difficult for us to control him. We told one of our players to mark him, but he really changed the game,” said Nelo.
He, however, agreed that it was one of the good games of the league, but a draw should have been a better result, said the coach. “Winning would have been great, a draw would have been better than a loss,” Vingada said.
“Kolkata were better in the second half, but in the last 15-20 minutes of the game, we did create a lot of chances. We should have scored another goal,” the coach added.
Penalty?
Vingada, however, declined to comment anything on the two penalty appeals made by the team in the first half; which definitely would have been a game changer. “From the position I am in, I cannot say anything. You guys have the television and the replays, see it yourself. I really can’t say anything,” he said.
On the other hand, he did acknowledge the mistakes committed by his team and reinstated that making better results will be their target for the next game.
Bad News for NorthEast United fans
The bad news however coming in for NorthEast United fans is that Subrata Pal, who left the pitch with visible pain, looks to be out for a long time. “Condition of Subrata is not good. He looks to be in pain but I don’t know how grave the injury is,” said the coach.
We could have scored more goals: Postiga
Speaking from the Kolkata side, a visibly happy Helder Postiga said that he is happy for his team’s win and is more elated as he made his comeback and scored a goal.
“It was difficult first half for us, but in the half time coach made some changes in the positions of the players and it really worked for us. We could have scored more goals,” said Postiga.
He though admitted that he comes into the team after an injury lay off and next couple of matches would be even more difficult, so he expects the team to step up their level.
