ISL Season 8: It has been a tough season for SC East Bengal in the Indian Super League. They have seen managerial changes, changes in personnel and even change in playing style. But nothing has managed to secure the winning formula for the Red and Golds Current head coach Mario Rivera started his current stint with a great win against FC Goa, which stands as the solitary win for the Kolkata Giants this season. Follow all the ISL 2021-22 LIVE Updates only on InsideSport.IN
After that win, SC East Bengal have conceded seven goals in the last two matches against Hyderabad FC and ATK Mohun Bagan. They had the lead in the historic Kolkata Derby but a brilliant hattrick from Kiyan Nassiri ended all their hopes.
The Red and Golds will now face Chennaiyin FC who are seventh in the points table and are desperate for a win. It promises to be a very close encounter as the first leg ended in a 0-0 stalemate earlier this season.
“We are always thinking in terms of winning the next match and we will try to achieve the same target in the game against Chennaiyin FC as well.” — Mario Rivera#SCEBCFC #WeAreSCEB pic.twitter.com/pMCHwMu7km
— East Bengal FC (@eastbengal_fc) February 1, 2022
Speaking ahead of the match Rivera highlights how the players are looking at the positive even from their last two matches which they lost. “For professional teams, when you lose a match, you have to keep the good things, eliminate the bad things and start from scratch in the next match. It’ll be no different for us,” Rivera began at the pre-match press conference.
Despite the Derby loss Rivera believes that his team played really well and therefore he has not had much effort in motivating the players for this game after a 3-1 defeat. It’s easy to motivate any team after a very good match. We did many things well in the last match, the players know that we are on the right track so it’s not a difficult task at all,” the Spaniard revealed.
He continued adding how the results are not the best reflection of how the Red and Golds have played this season. So he points out how his players are in good space ahead of the game. “The confidence of a team is more related to the performance than the results. Sometimes you can play well and lose and vice-versa. Our performance is much better than the results so the players are in a good space mentally.”
Speaking about the target for the remaining games, Rivera echoed on how he and his team are looking to win all the remaining games. The Spanish tactician replied, “We are always thinking in terms of winning the next match and we will try to achieve the same target in the game against Chennaiyan FC as well.”
Marcelo Ribeiro has been one of the bright sparks in recent matches. His movement and ability to hustle with opponent defenders can make him a dangerous striker. He just needs to find the net to get going. SImilarly the Brazilian is looking to develop a partnership with Antonio Perosevic who has been the best player for the Red and Golds by some distant especially in creating chances. Although the two attackers are looking to build that camaraderie, Rivera revealed how Marcelo does not understand English but he is still trying to get along with Perosevic.
“Marcelo and Perosevic’s combination is one to watch out for. It is difficult because Marcelo cannot speak English but they are starting to understand each other now,” Rivera concluded.
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