ISL 2015: NorthEast United coach Cesar Farias takes full responsibility for loss to Kerala Blasters

NorthEast United coach Cesar Farias (Image courtesy of ISL)

NorthEast United had a disappointing start to their second Indian Super League campaign as they lost 3-1 to Kerala Blasters in their opening game. The game played at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi saw a mammoth attendance of 60,017 fans, making it a grand affair for the home team. And much to the joy of the home fans, KBFC fared well in all departments of the game.

Kerala Blasters picked up really well in the second half scoring three quick goals after the first half ended goal-less. The home team exploited the weaknesses of NEUFC defence, particularly against throw ins and long through balls.

Josu scored the first goal in the 49th minute from a long throw by Rahul Bheke. Rafi, who missed the first real chance of the match in the 17th minute then headed the second goal of the match in a similar fashion off a brilliant long throw by again by Rahul Bheke and assisted by Peter Ramage.

Cesar Farias takes full responsibility

NorthEast United head coach Cesar Farias took full responsibility for his team's disappointing loss as in the post-match press conference. He said, “I would like to take full responsibility for the loss. Two goals that we conceded today came from throw-ins.

“We have practiced defending such situations on the training ground countless number of times. But when it does not translate onto the pitch during the match, I repeat, I take full responsibility for the same.”

The only positive for the visiting team from the match was the fact that they had more possession (58%) than their opponent and displayed clinical passing. NEUFC were patient in their gameplay as they tried to break through Kerala’s defence with a series of short passes but failed to find the killer one.

“I am happy with the way we kept the ball and tried to play the game, if you know what I mean. I am happy that the Indian boys showed courage and played with the ball on the ground. We are on the right path and if we keep at it, we will win, I can assure you,” said the coach.

The coach however refused to put any blame on young goalkeeper Rehenesh, who in the first season was widely applauded for the clean sheets he maintained.

“He conceded three goals, but that’s because there were areas unmarked, and we have to work on that immediately. Rehenesh did what he can and he’s fine,” he concluded.

Farias unhappy with time taken for treatment

The Venezuelan, however, was slightly miffed with the amount of time that was taken to treat and assess injuries towards the last quarter of the match.

“Football is a sport that needs to played as continuously as possible. The referees should try and ensure that when injuries happen or when a player goes down, if there is treatment needed or if the player needs to go off the field, the decisions should be taken quickly.

“You cannot keep tumbling down and asking for help. It just breaks the momentum of the game.”

In the end, he made sure he congratulated Kerala Blasters FC and insisted that he had no complaints about the loss.

“They beat us fair and square. Congratulations to them. They are a strong side,” he said.

But the ISL is a marathon and not a race, we will try and put this right in the next game.”

He also admitted that Miguel Garcia’s injury was a setback during the game.

“After 15 minutes we lost Miguel. It was disappointing, but we need to improve. From day one, we were committed to develop the game to a great level. If we keep developing this way steadily, we will win.”

NEUFC next play FC Pune City on 9 October 2015 in Pune.