With the electric atmosphere generated by huge fan support for the home side Real Kashmir FC, Spanish coach of Neroca FC, Manuel Retamero Fraile said that teams will find it extremely difficult to play in Srinagar.
Neroca FC on Sunday inflicted first I-League defeat on home side Real Kashmir and the coach was happy to see his team cross the line in difficult conditions.
“It is extremely difficult for outside teams to play in this kind of atmosphere. The weather, altitude and the electric atmosphere created by home fans makes life difficult for outside teams. I am lucky to come out unscathed with full three points but others may not be so lucky,” Manuel Retamero said.
He said that it is extraordinary to see such a huge support for football in India and he was surprised to see that.
“It was a huge turn out of fans and the atmosphere created by them was electric. In I-League you may not find like this anywhere in India. Real Kashmir is lucky to get so many passionate supporters who back them till final whistle,” he said.
He said that visiting teams will have to counter the 12th player in shape of fans when they take on Real Kashmir in Srinagar.
“It is a beauty of home and away games. You have to face home team in front of their home supporters and in their own conditions. The away points became crucial and we did that. Our team played really well, endured all the pressure and applied themselves well when needed. To get full points in these kind of difficult conditions was special and we all are happy,” he said.
Neroca coach also said that Real Kashmir FC’s inexperience in I-League was visible and it cost them.
“We won because we have been in I-League from a couple of seasons now. We finished second last year and have experienced bunch of players. Real is new and inexperienced team and that was visible during this game,” he said.