Dip in form
The dip in form is a major concern as they have registered only one win in their last six games.
"We need to work very hard and get the results. It's not that we just need to depend on certain qualities. It's not easy as you are now in position where it gets difficult to reach your goal having come so close. Now we need to win every game," said Schattorie.
Every point matters
NorthEast United are just below third-placed FC Goa, who have 25 points. With Jamshedpur FC and ATK, both with 20 points each, close on their heels, every point will matter.
"I hope that ATK and Jamshedpur lose all their games, with all due respect. I want the teams below us to lose as the top four will be qualifying for the play-offs," said the Dutch coach.
Breathing down
With two teams breathing down their neck, it has become crucial for NorthEast to win their remaining games. An aiding factor for them in their final push for the play-offs could be the teams they are facing in their last four fixtures.
Delhi Dynamos, Mumbai City, FC Pune City and Kerala Blasters are up next on the fixture list for NorthEast and it should be noted that apart from Mumbai, the rest of the sides have little or no chance of making it to the play-offs.
No easy points
Not that points will be easy to get as Delhi's draw against FC Goa on Monday suggested that even the lower-ranked teams will make life difficult for the play-off aspirants.
Can Schattorie do what no other coach has done before with NorthEast? Can they hold on to their play-off ticket or will they falter in the final few rounds just like the third season? The next four matches will provide all the answers.