Staff Reporter: Kolkata giants East Bengal is set to face Neroca FC in their first I-League game of the 2018-19 season. The match will be played at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium which is 15 kilometers away from Imphal City. Ahead of facing a tough side like Neroca in their first away game East Bengal head coach Alejandro Menéndez García looked a bit anxious due to the condition of the ground. During the practice session the Red & Gold team management has seen the ground has thick grass and there is a possibility that the players may face injury while playing on the turf.
“I am a bit concerned after seeing the ground as it has thick grass in it. Any players could be injured while playing on this kind of a surface,” said Garcia while talking to the media.
The visitors had closed door training ahead of the game tomorrow. Garcia is thinking of using Borja Gómez Pérez & Mehtab Singh in the defence and Costa Rican World Cupper Jhonny Acosta will start the game as a blocker. Beside that as it was expected East Bengal’s star Syrian midfielder Mahmoud Al Amna won’t be there in the playing XI as he is still recovering from his back strain. On being asked about him Alejandro replied,” Amna is still recovering but I won’t use him until he reaches his full fitness.”
Though Alejandro looked pleased with the preparation of his team.” We had a great pre-season camp in Malaysia for three weeks. Now we are focusing to win the league and we want full 3 points in the first game,” said Alejandro.
In the last two meeting the Red & Gold Brigade played out two draws against Neroca. But the new East Bengal gaffer doesn’t want to look behind.” I am not thinking about the team’s previous results. This is a new season and a new East Bengal team as well.”
East Bengal’s Indian forward Bali Gagandeep hasn’t come with the team to play their first I-League encounter of the new season. On being asked about Bali’s status Alejandro replied,” He has some problems at his work place. After solving those issues he will join the squad.”