I-League 2017-18: East Bengal is eyeing nothing but a win against Chennai City FC

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East Bengal players in a practice session today. Image Source: XtraTime

Kolkata: City giant East Bengal will face Chennai City FC in a must win match of the Hero I-League 2017-18 at the Salt Lake Stadium tomorrow. It is a must win game for the Red & Gold Brigade as a loss against Chennai will end their hope of winning the top league of the nation after 14 long years.

East Bengal coach Khalid Jamil is under immense pressure in this situation as he won’t get the service of star defender Arnab Mondal who shown marching orders by the referee in their last game against Gokulam Kerala FC. In his place Khalid will be relying on veteran Punjab defender Gurwinder Singh who played his last match in the first Kolkata derby of I-League this season. On being asked about this matter, Khalid said,” We will decide the first XI tomorrow ahead of the game, but Gurwinder will be there in the 18 men squad.”

Gurwinder was out of match practice for a long period of time, but according to the East Bengal gaffer, it won’t affect much.” Guri is a senior player and he won’t face any problem. The team needs his service.”

Beside that Khalid is not taking Chennai lightly. As per him, Chennai is playing really well in last few games after signing Serbia’s Alexander Rackich and Korean Kim in their squad.” Beside the foreigners, their Indian players are also playin good football. We have to play very well against them.

On being asked whether he is under pressure before the game, Khalid replied,” I was under pressure in Aizawl aswell. The players just need to play with positive mindset.”