NorthEast United FC's Coach Discusses Goal-Scoring Challenges
Coaching Insights on Goal Scoring
Guwahati, Mar 8: While scoring a goal might seem straightforward on the pitch, for NorthEast United FC's head coach Juan Pedro Benali, it is a skill that is more about mental acuity than mere footwork.
This season, the Highlanders have managed to score only twice across their initial three matches in the Indian Super League (ISL).
The statistics highlight the significant gap left by Moroccan striker Alaaeddine Ajaraie, who scored 23 goals in 25 matches last season before transferring on loan to Indonesian club Persija Jakarta.
Benali acknowledged that the team's offensive performance has been impacted by the absence of both Ajaraie and Spaniard Nunez Chema.
“We are certainly missing Alaaeddine and Chema. Together, they accounted for approximately 75% of our goals in the Super Cup and Durand Cup,” he stated.
“Removing 75% of a team's goals not only affects scoring but also reduces the threat posed to opponents, limits ball possession, and decreases set-piece opportunities.”
He emphasized that replacing such key players is a daunting task. “You cannot easily substitute the influence of Alaaeddine or Chema. We have other players and are working to enhance their skills, but we must avoid placing excessive pressure on them,” he explained.
For Benali, the distinction between a prolific striker and an average one often hinges on a single trait: composure. “In football, scoring goals is a costly endeavor,” he remarked while contemplating the nuances of finishing.
“One of the crucial lessons is to maintain calmness. Often, players in front of the goal tend to strike the ball wildly due to anxiety. This anxiety to score can lead to poor execution,” he noted.
Benali believes that maintaining composure in critical moments is what differentiates elite forwards from others. “That’s what sets a top striker apart from an average one. A top striker makes it appear effortless, merely tapping the ball,” he added.
He cited Brazilian legend Romario as a prime example of this quality. “Romario was one of the best strikers I have ever seen. He would carry the ball and sometimes not even shoot. You wonder how he scored; it’s all about calmness and the mental strength to remain composed, much like a surgeon performing a delicate operation,” he elaborated.
Benali stressed that fostering this calmness should be a priority in Indian football. He observed that young strikers often feel undue pressure to score powerfully rather than accurately.
“This is an area that needs attention in Indian football. I often hear that we don’t need foreign strikers because we can develop Indian talent. I slightly disagree; we should bring in top strikers so that Indian players can learn from them,” he stated.
“The challenge is that we place too much pressure on young Indian strikers. We instruct them to shoot powerfully and score, but first, they need to be calm and aim for the target,” he added.
Even during training, Benali noted that players often try to strike the ball with excessive force, akin to baseball or cricket.
“Be gentle with the ball; it’s your ally. This approach will help us learn to score more goals. It’s more about mental readiness than just technical drills,” he advised.
NorthEast United started their season with a 0-3 loss to East Bengal, followed by a 1-1 draw against Bengaluru FC, and narrowly lost to Mumbai City FC despite initially leading.
MS Jithin scored against East Bengal, while Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia netted against Bengaluru FC.
Benali reiterated that football is a team effort. “We don’t play with just one player; we play as a unit of 11. A team shapes the player, and the player contributes to the team,” he remarked.
As the Highlanders adapt to a new attacking strategy, Benali emphasized the importance of rebuilding the squad's confidence.
NorthEast United is set to face Punjab FC on Monday, aiming to regain their scoring momentum.