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[caption id="attachment_58834" align="alignnone" width="580"] Aizawl FC's Portugese coach Paulo Jorge Coelho Meneses at the East Bengal ground on Sunday. Image Source: Xtra Time[/caption] Kolkata: Reigning I League champions Aizawl FC arrived in the city two days ahead of their opening encounter against Kolkata giants East Bengal. The North East side had a training session in the afternoon at the East Bengal grounds. It is a different looking Aizawl FC squad from the one that played in the last season. Portugese Coach Paulo Jorge Coelho Meneses has replaced Khalid Jamil. He is accompanied by a Spanish assistant coach. Paulo has been charge of the team since August. The Aizawl FC squad has signed all six foreigners this season. Midfielder Alfred Jaryan, who played for the North East side last season is back with them. The defending I League champions have also signed Liberian striker Dodoz, along with Romanian playmaker Andrei, Afghan defender Masih, Nigerian defender Karim Omoloja and Japanese striker Yugo. Masih and Andrei has been with the Aizawl FC squad since the start of the season. They have both played in the Mizoram League. Six foot tall Afghanistan defender Masih will have a towering presence in the defence for the reigning champions. He has also scored 11 goals in the 178 international matches for the country. Coach Paulo is upbeat with his side facing East Bengal. Talking to the reporters after the training session at the East Bengal grounds, the Portugese coach said, “East Bengal is a good side. But we are prepared to take the challenge” On being asked about Khalid Jamil’s presence in the opposition camp, Paulo said, “I know he coached Aizawl FC last season to championship. But my boys will not play against Khalid but against the 11 East Bengal players.” Talking about his side’s chances to defend the title, the gaffer said, “We have a new side this season as most of the players left the club. We will take one match at a time rather than looking too far ahead. East Bengal will be under pressure as they will be fighting for championship.” https://youtu.be/GyafXjpzpl8