NorthEast look up to Grant for turnaround

New Delhi: The arrival of former Chelsea FC manager Avram Grant as technical advisor has re-ignited hopes that NorthEast United FC can still salvage their chances despite a poor start in the fourth edition of the Hero Indian Super League.

The man who took English Premier League giants Chelsea to the final of the Champions League in 2008 has joined the club and there is a genuine belief that a turnaround is possible, starting with their home tie against FC Goa at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Saturday.

NorthEast United are ninth on the table with four points from seven matches. Only Delhi Dynamos have fared worse in the league.

“The mood has changed (in the dressing room) with arrival of the new (technical) advisor. The boys are geared up and ready for tomorrow’s match,” goalkeeping coach Joseph Siddy said.

With three home matches in a row against FC Goa (January 6), ATK (January 12) and Chennaiyin FC (January 19), the conditions are ideal for the former Ghana national team coach to turn things around.

It may not be all that easy with FC Goa as their opposition on Saturday. The Goans showed remarkable spirit to snatch a point against ATK in their previous game and are now targetting the top spot.

FC Goa are placed fourth with 13 points from seven matches and will return to the top of the table should they score a comfortable victory.