Shameel Chembakath highlights lessons after loss against NorthEast United

Hyderabad FC interim head coach Shameel Chembakath shared his disappointment after his team suffered a 2-5 loss against NorthEast United FC at the GMC Balayogi Stadium, Hyderabad in the ongoing Indian Super League 2024-25 on Monday.

The Nawabs took a 2-0 lead with Edmilson Correia scoring twice in the first 12 minutes of the game. However, Guillermo Fernandez got one back for the tourists after six minutes.

After the first half, the home team conceded two own goals whereas Fernandez also scored his second of the night. Furthermore, Moroccan striker Alaaeddine Ajaraie continued his rich form in the ISL, scoring in the 73rd minute.

Speaking about the first half, Shameel Chembakath said: “Well, the first 10 minutes and if you go through the first 45 minutes, the first half was very positive. And leading 2-1 was one of the best things. The players played how we wanted to play, what we expected. There are some things which they need to understand when we’re leading. There are some scenarios where we need to concentrate and mature our game management. That is more important. And of course, that consists in the level of the back”

“When you are not scoring, when you are leading, how we need to be stable, how we need to be balanced on the defence, that is more important. I think most of the goals, if you see, there are a lot of rebounds, reflections and set-pieces,” he added.

Chembakath admitted that Ajaraie created more pressure on them and feels they were not able to keep the opposition at bay.

“We got more pressure from Ajaraie. If you see, we were keeping the ball well. But most of the final passes, final moments, and some of the players were just giving away. That is one of the parts which we wanted to improve. They just targeted Ajaraie more on the balls. Whenever they are winning the ball, the transition always goes to the number 14, Ajaraie. I think that is the way they succeed,” said Chembakath.

Hyderabad FC will next take on East Bengal FC at the GMC Balayogi Stadium, Hyderabad on Saturday.