4th December 2020 | NorthEast United Media

The Highlanders will take on SC East Bengal for the first time in history here at the Tilak Maidan this weekend. The two clubs have never faced each other in a professional match having played each other only once in a friendly organized in Guwahati last year. On that occasion the match ended 0-0, with both sides failing to find the back of the net. A lot has changed since then as both sides have undergone a rebuild under new managers. The latter are participating in the HERO ISL for the first time this season under the watch of Liverpool legend, Coach Robbie Fowler.

The two sides are enjoying contrasting fortunes in the Hero ISL so far, with the Highlanders going unbeaten through their first 3 games with a win and 2 draws, while our opponent faced defeats in both their fixtures so far. The two teams will face off at the Tilak Maidan with the aim to wrestle 3 points, which are equally crucial for both the sides. For the Highlanders, a win is important as Coach Gerard Nus would not want to draw 3 in a row, while Robbie Fowler’s men would aim to get their first points on the board after a slow start to their campaign. A win for the Highlanders would also take them to 2nd place in the table.

Speaking to the media before the highly anticipated match, Head Coach Gerard Nus talked about how the game against East Bengal will not be an easy affair and the boys will have to be at their best to compete against our opponents on the night. When quizzed on how he has been mentoring the new look squad, Coach Gerard said “We have established a plan since day one. We have started to bring in tactical ideas. We have a clear idea of how to do things. We know how to defend and how to deal with various situations. If everybody sticks to the plan then the job becomes easier. I have 28 players and I want all of them to play. Sometimes some players don't train well or are not fully fit. It is not only about who starts but those who come in as well. They change the games as well. I don't believe in a best XI. I am sad that I can not give chances to everyone,” he concluded.

Defender Dylan Fox, who also attended the conference was quizzed on his time here in India. “I have been having a good time in India and the environment here has been really good, said Fox. On his partnership with Lambot, Fox added “I have good chemistry at the back with Lambot. We are taking game by game. We have been defending from the front. That is a good positive. I enjoy playing with him.”