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 co.