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Sabyasachi Bagchi: East Bengal Club's new coach Francisco Jose Bruto Da Costa is just 38 years of age and just at this age he is a pro licence holder. After becoming the new coach of East Bengal he gave an Exclusive telephonic Interview to www.xtratime.in from Margao, Goa.

Once the Assistant Coach of Malaysia National Team, now has taken the charge of Kolkata giants East Bengal for a season. Earlier in Indian Super League season 3 Francisco worked as the Assistant Coach of NorthEast United as well. Not only that but he has also worked in U-14, U-17 and U-19 AIFF Elite Academy as well for 14 years. This vast knowledge in football will definitely help him during his stint in East Bengal.

Francisco looked really pleased after getting an offer from a century old club like East Bengal."It's an honour for me that East Bengal approached me in their centenary year and it's nice to be a part of the family," said Francisco to www.xtratime.in

Francisco has already done coaching in the ISL where he was the assistant coach of NorthEast United. On being asked about his experience as coach in the ISL, he added," I have done coaching in Malaysia National Team, Bangladesh, Indian football's youth level and in the Indian Super League as well. All I can say that it's a totally different experience all together."

Many coaches has come and gone in last few years in East Bengal. There is always a pressure for the coaches in Kolkata to give fast success as East Bengal and Mohun Bagan are supporters based clubs and they want good performances from their mother club whenever the team goes in the field. Francisco know that pretty well."Basically I enjoy coaching any team and winning is the most important thing for a team at the senior level. I know the pressure of Kolkata football where everyone wants nothing but a win for their side at any cost. So pressure is a part of the game and pressure gets the best out of me," added Francisco.

In a big club like East Bengal, players management is a big issue as they need to be taken care properly so that the players can perform well in the field. The Goan coach has a plan for that." We should remember that a footballer is also a human being. You must respect them, as they have reached this position by playing well. If you give them respect, then they will listen to you easily"

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic sports in India is currently at halt. There is no confirmation on when the footballers will start their training. On being asked whether it would be a problem for the footballers to perform well after this long gap, Francisco added," Now a days all footballers are very much professional. In this modern day football everyone knows that if you don't perform well, what will happen. In this pandemic period all the footballers are maintaining their diets, routine and training. They know their responsibilities towards their teams and they are responsible."

There are still a lot of speculations going on whether East Bengal will play in ISL or I-League. Francisco knows that pretty well but still he didn't hesitate to say yes to East Bengal officials when they approached to him."The first thing I want to say that, I feel happy to be associated with football. Secondly when you talk about East Bengal, we all know that it's a big team. It's their centenary year, so it's an honour and privilege for me to be a part of this legacy," said Francisco.

The officials are still hopeful that the club will play in ISL this season. If that happens, the club may appoint a foreign head coach and make Francisco his deputy. The Goan coach stated that he doesn't have a problem to work as an assistant coach."The management will take the final decision on this matter. I have already told you that I am happy to do my coaching anywhere. I am satisfied that I will do work with East Bengal and if the officials decide to bring a foreign coach, I will definitely help him." 

East Bengal hasn't won any trophy in last three years time and the supporters of the club want a trophy in their team's cabinet as soon as possible and Francisco knows that very well. The pro licence holder has a request for all East Bengal fans."I am looking forward to get the full support of the East Bengal fans and together as one family we shall be successful," concluded Francisco.