Goa : He is known to take challenges and this season will be no different for East Bengal coach Biswajit Bhattacharya .Biswajit , who turned 56 on Wednesday sounded very positive about the current squad. The East Bengal coach is presently living a dream and it is to win the I-League . Xtra Time caught up with the East Bengal coach over the phone from his hotel room in Goa .
XT) Xtra Time would like to wish you on your birthday . How did you spend the morning?
BB) Thanks a lot. I have got many messages and phone calls from family members, friends and players. I will cut a cake in the afternoon along with my players . A dinner has been arranged by the club for the entire team .
XT) Are you somewhat relieved to have won the opening match against Sporting Clube de Goa ?
BB)It’s a long season ahead . But it is always good to start the marathon league on a positive note .We definitely cannot be complacent . For the past 4-5 years the club have come so close to winning the I-League but have eluded them . It still haunts the club officials and members . But this time our footballers are very focused and determined.
XT) Your team have rallied from behind to win the match against Sporting after having conceded a goal. It does speak volumes about the mental toughness of the side this season. Your take ?
BB) The credit should go to my players for the way they fought back into the match against Sporting . All the players are mentally strong than before and we have to maintain this momentum.
XT) Your next match is against Mumbai FC. They have signed some good footballers this season. How do you rate them?
BB) In all the tournaments there are some party poopers who doesn’t win the league but have the reputation of being the giant killers. Mumbai FC can spring up a surprise for many teams this season. Khalid Jamil himself was a very good footballer and is a very good coach. We have to play very well to defeat them.
XT) You have made some tactical changes in the last game. You introduced Sabeeth and Rafique in the second half and also pushed Dong to the wing. How have the players responded to your tactics?
BB) Theplayers have been immensely co-operative. Before the SCG match Mehtab had told me that he wants to sit out as the victory is more important. This is the attitude I require from my other players as well . I want them to play as a team , helping each other on a mission .
XT) East Bengal recently have acquired the service of Bernard Mendy. Will you include him in the team for the derby?
BB)First I have to assess his match fitness. I don’t think there will be a problem as he has recently played in the ISL. The main issue will be how quickly he adjusts with the team.As far as derby is concerned , I will take a decision once he arrives in Kolkata .
XT) Recently Mohun Bagan coach Sanjoy Sen heaped praise on East Bengal. What is your view ?
BB) I am not amazed . We are good friends off the field from our playing days . I too congratulated hm on winning the first match against Aizawl FC .
XT) Lastly any birthday resolution .
BB) I just wish my players have a good season ahead . I have told them that winning the I-league will be a perfect birthday gift for me.