Don’t want to be arrogant but things will change at NorthEast United: Annese

Panaji: If he wanted, Vincenzo Alberto Annese could have continued at Gokulam Kerala FC, but having won two I-League titles in a row, there was nothing more to achieve.
The Italian coach wanted a bigger challenge, a step up in his career. He knocked on a few Indian Super League (ISL) clubs’ doors, and even though there was no opening, Annese now finds himself in Indian football’s top tier in the middle of the league.
It’s not ideal.
His new club, NorthEast United FC, lost a record eight games in a row when he took over from Marco Balbul. After a day’s training session when he took charge against Chennaiyin FC, the result was 3-7. Yes, the Highlanders scored three – after having just four goals in first eight games -- but conceded an astonishing seven.
Annese, though, remained unfazed.
“I do not see it as a disappointment but as an improvement because, as a club, we scored three goals,” Annese told TOI on Friday. “The mentality after the upset took a toll, most of the game we would find criticism, but I look to improve the football day by day. Losing 7-0 or 7-3 is the same for me.
“I believe a lot in myself, and step by step, I will try to reach that point with the team. I do not care what people think if we have lost nine games. I just focus on the next game. This is an important part, and this is what I want from my team. Think about what we can do in the next game.”
NorthEast United are in shambles at the moment. They have lost against every opponent they have played in this season’s ISL. FC Goa would be their last opponent in the first leg. They still don’t have a point, but Annese has been left in no doubt that there will be improvements before the season ends.
“I do not see much difference club by club, and any team can beat anybody in the league. We will show that things will change, and I do not want to be arrogant, but this is a process, and day by day we will improve,” said the Italian coach.
Annese has been with the club for eight days now and is happy with his players. He isn’t seeking any reinforcements in the January transfer window, not just as yet, but has called for improvement in the players’ approach.
“We need aggression, we have too many nice guys and we need to attack. I love to attack and to create space to attack the opponent. I want my players to fight, and if we are too soft, it will be easy for the opponent. If we do not force them to make mistakes, it will be hard to get points,” he said.
NorthEast United are up against the might of FC Goa at the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Saturday. The hosts have won three of their four home games with a 3-0 margin and coach knows what to expect, particularly from a side that plays the same way, from academy, reserves to the seniors.
“FC Goa are an amazing team with a great style of play. They have got great technique, and we have seen players of amazing quality, and the brand of football is good. We play in a different way, and our approach will be a bit different. There will be a different NorthEast United FC team on Saturday,” said Annese.