ISL: Brilliant, eccentric Eelco grabs all headlines

Eelco Schattorie's appointment is the 'Chemical X' that ISL needed...

From witty one-liners off the field to passionate shenanigans on the sideline, NorthEast United head coach Eelco Schattorie has been in the news for the right reasons this season.

The experienced Dutch coach served as an assistant to Avram Grant when the Highlanders were on a sinking ship last season. But together with Arthur Papas, the Dutch coach has made full use of his upgraded powers and led the charge for the team this time around. His team is sixth on the table with 11 points and a game in hand over the three teams above him.

Eelco Schattorie has added flavour to the Indian Super League with his attitude and presence. From the Mini Copper-Ferrari remark before the start of the season to his dig at Delhi Dynamos' league position, the Dutchman has been as audacious as he has been cheeky when speaking to the media. And he has neither minced his words nor sugar-coated it to project the image of a nice guy. Schattorie is an honest coach who adopts a no-nonsense policy.

"What happens on the field is a process. Since I am in India I would like to take an example. Taj Mahal was not built in a day and if you want to build something, it takes time. We will work together to make the best out of the season," the Dutchman said before the start of the season. He also added,

And he has stuck to his words as the Highlanders have looked a completely different outfit compared to their torrid outings last season. NorthEast United's games aren't snoozefests anymore as they have always attempted to take the game to their opponents and so far, it has been a delight to watch.

Last season's NorthEast United would have struggled against FC Goa on paper but Schattorie's team is fearless. He demands a lot from his team and prefers a fighting loss to a lucky win.

Speaking out against referees can get coaches fined. Complaining about the opposition's players sometimes puts the coaches in a bad light but Schattorie was the least bothered when he openly criticised Mumbai City's time-wasting against NorthEast United.

Before Highlanders' match against Mumbai City, Eelco Schattorie also did something that no other coach has done in the history of ISL - he criticised Star Sports' punditry. Then he picked up a fight with Matias MIrabaje in the closing stages of the match,

Eelco Schattorie recently revealed that NorthEast United had to pull a few strings to appoint him as the head coach. We all should be glad that he was finally appointed because it's been so much fun.

In a world where everybody is trying hard to pretend to be extremely sweet to each other, Schattorie has brought mind games and sly digs onto the table. His best game so far were his words before the game against Delhi Dynamos.

For sure, his comments could backfire if his team stops churning out wins but for now, the brilliant yet eccentric Eelco Schattorie is calling the shots.