East Bengal coach Robbie Fowler and his support staff, barring goalkeeping coach Robert Mimms, would be reaching Goa on Friday.

The Indians members of the squad will also reach the same day, according to a Shree Cement East Bengal Foundation media release.

Mimms will touch down on October 20.

Fowler said he is aware of East Bengal’s legacy and considers managing a team in a completely new environment to be a challenge.

“It is a new league and for me, I have to challenge myself,” he told Sky Sports.

“I am looking forward to it. It is a big challenge. We are a little bit late but I am confident of what I can do and the people around me.”

Fowler added that he is aware of East Bengal’s rivalry with Mohun Bagan.

“Obviously when we play each other, there are going to be millions of people all over India paying attention to that game.”

A few Indian players, like Cavin Lobo, CK Vineeth, Keegan Pereira, Rino Anto and Girik Khosla have also been told by the new management that they should look for opportunities elsewhere. East Bengal, before Shree Cement came on board, had signed a glut of Indian players. A source said all the players on the surplus list would be compensated.

Antonio’s start

ATK Mohun Bagan’s Spanish head coach Antonio Lopez and players Javi Hernandez, Edu Garcia and Tiri will be joining practice from October 19. If everything well, he will be the first ISL coach to complete the quarantine process.

“There is a huge difference between giving instructions via online classes and attending practice sessions physically,” he was quoted as saying by an ATKMB release.