Kolkata: East Bengal is expected to start their Federation Cup campaign with three foreigners. Chris Payne who was the fourth foreigner and the team’s striker, didn’t travel to Mumbai where East Bengal played their last I-League, and is apparently to be shown the door. Payne was also absent at the team’s practice today. The technical committee with the coaches is expected to have a discussion with Payne to decide further on his future.
The Red and Gold brigade whose first match in the Fed Cup is on 7th May is expected to leave for Cuttack on 4th or 5th of this month. Goalkeeper Luis Baretto too was absent at today’s practice.
The East Bengal squad has turned into a mini-hospital as Defender Gurwinder Singh who suffered a groin injury, was also absent from practice after seeking a leave of absence from the coach. Former Aizawl FC captain David who hardly played a match in this year’s I-League was absent with an ankle injury. Robert too is out from the Fed Cup due to injury concerns.
During the end of the practice defender Ivan Bukenya and forward Wedson suffered injuries when the team was practicing one against one with forwards and defenders. Bukenya hurt himself when he attempted a tackle. Both the foreigners were immediately sent to the team doctor.
It was also seen that advisory committee member Manoranjan Bhattacharya was guiding the three foreigners to uplift their morale. Jackichand Singh is expected to arrive late at the squad as he was absent on account of his mother’s illness.
East Bengal midfielder Mehtab Hossain said “I-League is past, Fed Cup is the next tournament and we have to focus on the upcoming tournament. We will have to recover from the failures of the league and will strive hard to win the Cup.” He also said that winning the last two games of the league in a huge margin after a series of losses will help to uplift the confidence and the morale of the team.
Hossain said all the teams would give tough contention and it won’t be easy to win the matches. He believes that, had his club got 4 points more, they would have been crowned Champions. However the Bengal player is unwilling to dwell in the past and is ready to strive hard for the upcoming tournament.
Assistant Coach Ranjan Chowdhury believes that injury of his players is a major concern for the Fed Cup. He also said that at the far end of the season’s campaign, players are bound to be tired and disjointed but he is trying his level best to uplift their morale.
“Not just defeating Aizawl FC is the aim, we will have to win every match in the Cup. We will have to go match by match. First match is against Churchill and we are now concerned about that match”, said Chowdhury. He also said that the Fed Cup is the last tournament of the season and if East Bengal can win this Cup it would act as a huge achievement for not only the club but also for all the fans of the Red and Gold brigade.