Kolkata : East Bengal’s new French recruit Bernard Mendy will don jersey no 45 . The former PSG defender was officially presented in front of the media at the club tent on Monday . Mendy was one of the vital cogs in Chennaiyin FC’s triumph in ISL . The French International who arrived on Saturday , got down to training with his Red and Gold team mates in the morning . East Bengal team director and UB representative Mr. Amit Sen also informed that Trevor James Morgan was very happy with Mendy’s selection at the club as Morgan had coached him while he had a stint with Hull City. Morgan demanded Mendy as a great human being. The extremely fit looking defender later met the media at the club tent for his first official press conference . Here are the excerpts :
Q: You have watched East bengal’s last match against Bengaluru FC. What is East Bengal’s strength?
Mendy: We played well in the last match but Bengaluru was better. But it does not feel good to lose. But we need the fans to support us throughout the league. Its still a long way to go.
Q: You have played in the ISL for 2 years. How will you adjust with the conditions and the other players in the team?
Mendy: As because of playing in the ISL I have coped up well with the Indian players. Young Indian players of East Bengal are always willing to learn and interested in learning new skills.
Q: Do you feel East Bengal lagging in the League?
Mendy: No, not at all. Even Chennayin was not at all in a comfortable position in the ISL last season. So I believe we still have ample time to overcome. We need to play as a team. You can’t predict in football from before.
Q: Which position would you prefer playing?
Mendy: Goal keeper (laughs). I am open to any position in the team. It is on the coach to decide. It does not matter where I play. I need to play with the team as a unit.
Q: Why did you join I-league after playing ISL?
Mendy: East Bengal is a good team. I love playing in India. They are always hungry for trophies.
Q: How many months contract do you have with East Bengal?
Mendy: It’s a long way to go.
Q: Is it possible to win the league from here?
Mendy: Yes. Why not? Everything is possible in football. But as I have said earlier we need the fans to support us. If Zidane can be the coach of Real Madrid why East Bengal can’t win the league? (laughs).
Q: Jeje demanded that you had a chat with him before joining East Bengal. Is it true?
Mendy: Yes I did have a chat with him. He is a good friend of mine though he is in my arch rival team Mohun Bagan. But I am still in touch with him. He is a great striker.
Q: What is your impression on the ground?
Mendy: I know in India I have to adapt to both natural and artificial turf. But personally speaking , I prefer natural turf. East Bengal pitch is also good. I had no problems in training session today morning.
Q: Your favorite stunt?
Mendy: That’s a surprise. You will see in the matches. I am very much excited to start with the team.
Q: Did you do any physical training?
Mendy: Training is necessary. Every player have to train physically before training with the ball. But training won’t win you matches. You have to score goals and defend it to win.
Q: Best moment in your career?
Mendy: Joing PSG was my dream. I fulfilled that and then playing for France was also great. Playing in Europe helped me grow as a footballer.