East Bengal are strong, but also have weaknesses, says Marco Balbul

The coach also gave updates regarding the availability of the players.

NorthEast United FC are going through a tough time after losing their opening two games of the 2022-23 Indian Super League (ISL) season. The Highlanders were handed a 0-3 defeat by the defending champions Hyderabad FC in the back yard last week. Next up, Marco Balbul’s side will face their eastern neighbours East Bengal at their fortress on October 20. Ahead of the clash, the Israeli head coach addressed the media.

Here's what he had to say going into the clash.

Thoughts on East Bengal

The coach began with sharing his thoughts on his next opponents East Bengal. He said that even though they lost in the last game, they’ve a really good team.

He started, “Even though they lost in the last game, they’re a good team with good players and very organised in attack. Every game in this league is tough and we will try to play in our style with our fans and make a big effort for the first win. It will not be easy but we can do it.

“Against Bengaluru we showed that we are a good team and we deserved at least a point. The decision from the referee was very bad. We have a really good team and the players show me they have the right attitude in training. It will be a tough match,” he equipped.

On NEUFC's playing style

Marco Balbul’s side have displayed two different playing styles in as many matches this season. They put up a strong fight against Bengaluru in their opening game, but lacked the intent in the game against Hyderabad. Balbul accepted that his side played well against Bengaluru and couldn’t replicate the same against last year's champions.

“I think we played better against Bengaluru FC in comparison to the game against Hyderabad FC. But, both teams are different and have different style. We need to be tactically good against East Bengal. They’ve a really strong team, but also have weaknesses. So, have to work on that,” he asserted.

On East Bengal’s Indian squad

The tactician also shared his views on the Indian players of East Bengal and was in all praise for them. He said that East Bengal have good Indian players, but his side needs to focus on themselves.

He opined, “They’ve a good squad with good Indian players. But we’re focused on our team and not on them. We’ve the ability to score and stop them. Like I said, there are no easy chances in this league.

Also Read: Preview: NorthEast United, East Bengal eye first win of the season

“It doesn’t matter whom you play and where you play. The teams in the league are competitive. But we need to focus on our style, how we attack, how we defend and I think it’ll be good,” he added.

Chances of Sylvester playing against East Bengal

NorthEast United recently announced the signing of Nigerian target-man Sylvester Igboun. When asked if the striker will have a role to play against East Bengal, Marco Balbul said, “Yes, he’s in the squad. Unfortunately, he came late due to some visa issues. We’re happy because he's a really good player. He contributes a lot and I’m happy that he is in our squad.” 

Team News

The coach gave an update regarding the fitness of his team. He said that only Provat Lakra is injured and all other players are available for selection.

“Yes, we have only injury in Provat Lakra. Other players are fit,” he replied.