Fatigue factor worries East Bengal ahead of AI tie
- 9:52 AM
- By Football Fans Manipur
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KOLKATA, March 22 : “Winning is the only option now,” the battle-weary coach of Kingfisher East Bengal Trevor James Morgan mustered strength as his team braced up for the restart of their I-league campaign against Air India at the Kalyani Stadium on Saturday (March 23).
The almost one-and-a-half month breather allowed in the I-league fixtures did not really help the Kolkata side as they was forced into the local commitment with IFA Shield while also playing the continental AFC Cup during the period when most other teams enjoyed rest.
“The fatigue factor has become major worry as the team played frequently in the last couple of months,” said Morgan, whose team lost the IFA Shield final against another city rival Prayag United SC on Wednesday (March 20).
Coming to the I-League, where his team is currently placed second with 40 points from 20 matches, Morgan said East Bengal have to win most of the remain six rounds. “We have to win at least five out of the six matches in order to have a go at the title,” Morgan said.
East Bengal’s English coach had a reason to be optimistic as his team maintained a good rhythm having won three, drawn one and lost one in the last five rounds. Another reason contributing to his optimism was the fact that East Bengal will play five of their remaining six matches at home.
“We have no big injury worries and hope that the boys play true to their potential,” said Morgan. East Bengal’s defensive mainstay, Nigerian Uga Okpara, did not attend the team practice with a stomach ailment. The coach said he will take the final call on the player on Saturday morning. The other foreigners in East Bengal ranks – Andrew Barisic, Edeh Chidi and Orji Penn – were available for selection, the coach informed.
Air India, which lost the first phase 0-3 against same opponent, face an uphill task having lost three in the last five outings. Former international Naushad Mossa, who is the new Air India coach, said it will be a big task taking on East Bengal at home. “East Bengal is a balanced side and are in good form. It will be a big challenge for us and I hope our boys are prepared for it,” he said.
Having lost to the current leaders Churchill Brothers (0-3) in the previous match, Moosa said he would be keen to pick up a point. “As a coach I would love to see my team win. It will definitely help us do well in the next rounds,” he said.
Air India is currently placed 12th in the league standings with 18 points and Moosa hoped to turn the tide and see his team do well in the remainder of the tournament. The coach informed there are no injury or card problems this would give him the benefit of having his best selection for the match.
The kick-off is at 2 pm.
The almost one-and-a-half month breather allowed in the I-league fixtures did not really help the Kolkata side as they was forced into the local commitment with IFA Shield while also playing the continental AFC Cup during the period when most other teams enjoyed rest.
“The fatigue factor has become major worry as the team played frequently in the last couple of months,” said Morgan, whose team lost the IFA Shield final against another city rival Prayag United SC on Wednesday (March 20).
Coming to the I-League, where his team is currently placed second with 40 points from 20 matches, Morgan said East Bengal have to win most of the remain six rounds. “We have to win at least five out of the six matches in order to have a go at the title,” Morgan said.
East Bengal’s English coach had a reason to be optimistic as his team maintained a good rhythm having won three, drawn one and lost one in the last five rounds. Another reason contributing to his optimism was the fact that East Bengal will play five of their remaining six matches at home.
“We have no big injury worries and hope that the boys play true to their potential,” said Morgan. East Bengal’s defensive mainstay, Nigerian Uga Okpara, did not attend the team practice with a stomach ailment. The coach said he will take the final call on the player on Saturday morning. The other foreigners in East Bengal ranks – Andrew Barisic, Edeh Chidi and Orji Penn – were available for selection, the coach informed.
Air India, which lost the first phase 0-3 against same opponent, face an uphill task having lost three in the last five outings. Former international Naushad Mossa, who is the new Air India coach, said it will be a big task taking on East Bengal at home. “East Bengal is a balanced side and are in good form. It will be a big challenge for us and I hope our boys are prepared for it,” he said.
Having lost to the current leaders Churchill Brothers (0-3) in the previous match, Moosa said he would be keen to pick up a point. “As a coach I would love to see my team win. It will definitely help us do well in the next rounds,” he said.
Air India is currently placed 12th in the league standings with 18 points and Moosa hoped to turn the tide and see his team do well in the remainder of the tournament. The coach informed there are no injury or card problems this would give him the benefit of having his best selection for the match.
The kick-off is at 2 pm.
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