Winless after five matches, both SC East Bengal and Kerala Blasters will look to secure their maiden win of the ongoing Indian Super League season when they face each other at the GMC Stadium, in Bambolim on Sunday.
While SC East Bengal are placed at the bottom of the table with one point, Kerala Blasters have just one point more.
The concentration level of his players remains a concern for SC East Bengal coach Robbie Fowler. “We need to play better against Kerala Blasters and our concentration levels need to improve.
“We’ve shown that we can compete. Maybe the results haven’t gone our way, but we always go out there believing we can win,” Fowler said.
“Concentration is a huge thing in football. One defender switches off and before you know, it’s a goal.
“Even if a player switches off for a split-second, it could be fatal,” he added.
“What happened in the past is irrelevant now,” continued Fowler. “We have to play well on the day. We have to work well with the ball and also without it. We’ll go into the game with a fresh mindset,” Fowler said.
SC East Bengal midfielder Eugeneson Lyngdoh is expected to return from his one-match suspension for Sunday’s match.
Kibu Vicuna, who was the coach of I-League winning Mohun Bagan side last season, is in charge of Kerala Blasters. He feels the two teams are in a similar situation. “Both badly want three points. We are training well and trying to prepare for the match in the best possible way. Every match is a new challenge,” Vicuna said.
“Sometimes we get good results, sometimes we don’t. Sometimes things don’t happen the way we think because the other team also has a plan,” he added.