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Xtra Time Web Desk: SC East Bengal coach Jose Manuel Diaz on Friday said the underdog tag will not bother his team ahead of the Kolkata derby on Saturday at Tilak Maidan. Both teams will clash against each other in first derby of ISL 2021-22 season.

“The underdog tag doesn’t bother us. We will play to our strong points. Though ATKMB had a very good last season and have a squad that have been playing together for many seasons, we are ready,” said Manuel Diaz in the virtual pre match press conference.

He added, “The Kolkata Derby is very important for us. We know the importance of this particular match, having witnessed a number of them during my stint in Spain and Mexico.”

SC East Bengal shared spoils with Jamshedpur FC in the first match while ATK Mohun Bagan registered a comprehensive win against Kerala Blasters. The Spanish coach is not bothered with the result in the first match.

“It sure is only the 2nd official match but we don’t look for excuses. We will try to do our best but we know ATKMB is a good team and is helmed by a good coach who has experience in the ISL. We must have a strong structure, the focus will be on minimizing mistakes and capitalizing on the weak points of ATKMB,” said Jose Manuel Diaz.

Talking about the team’s formation, Diaz said, “We are working on different options and combinations because there are many matches that we’ll have to play in a short period of time so we’re keeping all options open.”

On being asked whether the derby will see a battle between SC East Bengal’s defence and ATK Mohun Bagan’s defence, Manuel Diaz said, “No, it’s not only a battle of ATKMB’s attack and SCEB’s defence. ATKMB has been playing well for the last few seasons whereas SCEB has played only one season so that’s the only difference.”

Lastly, SC East Bengal’s Coach Manuel Diaz considers ATK Mohun Bagan as a threat.

“For me, the whole squad of ATKMB is a threat. One or two players can’t win you a match, the team has to perform well collectively to win,” signed off Manuel Diaz.