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Md Rafique, Jackiechand Singh misses training due to miscommunication

[caption id="attachment_34869" align="aligncenter" width="580"] Trevor Morgan and Albert Roca during press conference at East Bengal club tent on Saturday. Image Source: Hero-Ieague[/caption] Kolkata: Controversy continued to haunt East Bengal ahead of its crucial I League clash against defending champions Bengaluru FC. Coach Trevor Morgan in an unprofessional act forgot to inform all his registered players who are likely to feature in the match tomorrow about the practice venue. Jackiechand Singh, who was part of the 18 players registered for the tie did not turn up for the practice at Barasat stadium, as he was not informed about the venue. The gaffer accepted his mistake at the pre-match press conference. “It was my fault. I did not inform him (Jackichand) to come for practice, as I thought he was among those players, who will not feature in tomorrow’s match. I will impose a fine on myself for the mistake.” Another footballer Md Rafique went to Central Park instead of going to Barasat Stadium. On being asked about the incident, a visibly upset East Bengal coach could not hide his frustration. “David Lalrinmuana and Md Rafique were also among the absentee. David was not present for some family problems and Rafique went to Central Park as he thought the practice was at Central Park.” Morgan was happy about getting crucial six points from their last two away games, after starting their I-League campaign with a draw at home against Aizawl. “It was really important to get seven points from 3 matches. The two away wins were great and tomorrow is a challenge for both the teams because you know that Bengaluru FC have had three home games to start with and they won those games comfortably but hopefully we will give them stronger test tomorrow and same thing goes for us too, as they will give a tough fight to us too.” Bengaluru FC is regarded as the most successful team for the last three years. East Bengal coach Morgan lauded their performance so far in the I League. He said” They are very much consistent for last three years in India. They had done really well in AFC Cup too and their squad is together for a long time. They know how to play in a system so I think it will be a good match for us.” In Morgan’s view not only Bengaluru FC but each and every game is tough in the I-League,” On paper you can say it is a tough game, but I think there is no easy games in the I League. Obviously now we are playing the team that is above us in the league so it will be a tough game” he replied. About his team’s performance the Red & Gold gaffer was not quite happy. He added there are a lot of areas where they have to improve.” As a coach it is tough to be satisfied with a team. I always think that we have a lot of areas that we can improve and yes we can improve.” Robin Singh played for Bengaluru FC last season and was a part of I-League winning side. After Hero ISL he joined East Bengal for the I-League. On being asked about his target for tomorrow’s game Robin said,” I just want three points for East Bengal. It’s up to my teammates and coach to decide who will be there to get three points for our team. We are high on confidence as we got 6 crucial points from the two away matches.” In the last match Wedson missed a lot of chances in their last match against Churchill Brothers. But East Bengal coach was a bit concerned about it. Morgan said,” It was disappointing that he didn’t score. Wedson and Jackichand missed a few chances but that’s part of football. At least we are in a good position in this marathon league." Anwar Ali is ruled out for this tie as well with Arnab Mondal still recuperating from his injury. The defence might be a problem for the red and gold brigade against a side like Bengaluru who have Vineet in red hot form. “It is true that we have won three games in a row but an away game changes things. East Bengal are a tough side with some very good players and we’ll have to be better than we were before if we are to take anything away from this game,” Bengaluru FC coach Albert Roca said on the eve of the marquee fixture. Roca maintained that the need is to keep winning. The Spaniard denied changing his approach to the game, maintaining that changes would be made only to cater to the need of the team. “Every opposition plays a different game and as a coach, it’s important to make sure that the best suited team is out there. Some of our players have played all three games at home but whether they start or not depends on the opposition and the game-plan,” Roca added. With defender Sandesh Jhingan not making the travel with a minor injury, Roca mentioned that the squad has enough in terms of depth to see the Blues through the run of away fixtures. “Jhingan picked up a minor injury at training and I would rather have him recover completely with our medical team in Bengaluru than travel to Kolkata. But apart from that, we have a squad that’s ready to take this game on. Sena Ralte returns to the squad after missing the previous game.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_euHsHNxrxs