Kolkata: Kingfisher East Bengal to start their new season with a new hope and new aspirations as the Red and Gold brigade to commence their pre-season training under their new coach Khalid Jamil, who would be high on confidence after winning the recently concluded Hero I-League for Aizawl FC.
Khalid Jamil came to Kolkata today and had a long discussion with the club officials and club Advisory Committee members. The team haven’t won the I-League trophy for almost 14 years and the club is desperate to win the league this season. Though Khalid told the awaited media, “My first focus is to win the Calcutta Football League. I want to think step by step.” He added, “East Bengal always build strong squads. This time too will be no exceptions. I’m in talks with Jayesh, Ashutosh and a few other players. Lets see how it goes.”
East Bengal have decided to retain Caribbean forward Willis Plaza despite a futile previous season. Though Khalid said, “Plaza is a class player and he will add value to the club.”
The club has decided to recruit all three foreigners before the first game of the Calcutta Football League this season. The club is trying to play a few games at their club ground in the forthcoming I-League season. Meanwhile, club official Debabrata Sarkar is going to Kalyani tomorrow to check the conditions to have their pre-season facilities.