ISL 4: NorthEast take aim at ATK

Guwahati: NorthEast United FC will eye three points against a stuttering ATK in an Indian Super League match here on Friday.

The hosts won their last match (2-1 against FC Goa) after four straight defeats under their new coach, former Chelsea manager Avram Grant, and will expect to continue on the same vein.

A win for NorthEast (ninth with seven points from eight matches) will help them jump over ATK (eighth with nine from eight) in the standings.

“I think we need to improve a lot. I like to implement attacking football but for us to reach the desired level is difficult. So the immediate focus is to remain organised and be together. Hopefully that gets us some results,” said NorthEast assistant coach Eelco Schattorie on Thursday.

“Last week everyone worked hard and had the intention to help each other so that organisation is very important. Secondly, we need to improve in the area of scoring goals but that is the most difficult as well,” he added.

ATK have won just twice in their eight games. Assistant coach Bastob Roy said ATK would now have to create their own luck to earn points.

“This is football, it’s part of the game and we are trying to come out of this situation. We still think we can make the playoffs,” Roy said on Friday.

“Luck is not with us. Chance factor has been against us. We are not looking behind but looking forward. The only thing we can do is work hard,” the former player added.