Stephen Constantine: Don't care where we win as long as we do so

The East Bengal head coach lauded the performance of his players.

East Bengal picked up their third win of the ISL 2022-23 campaign. Stephen Constantine's side demolished the defending ISL League Shield winners Jamshedpur FC with a 1-3 victory at the JRD Tata Sports Complex in Jamshedpur.

East Bengal were on their front foot from the opening whistle itself as VP Suhair opened the scoring for them in the second minute. Skipper Cleiton Silva added the second for his side before Jamshedpur pulled one back from the spot. 

The Brazilian scored another one early in the second half to wrap up three points for his side. With this win, East Bengal moved up to the eighth position on the table in as many matches. After the game, head coach Stephen Constantine addressed the media.

Thoughts on the game

The head coach began by sharing his thoughts on the game. He said that his team played the way he wanted and took their chances.

“I think we expected a tough game against Jamshedpur. We focused more on the second ball and it allowed us to play the way we wanted. I think when we are a difficult team to beat when we play we'll be all throughout the 90 minutes.

He added, "We took our chances and even Jamshedpur had their chances. We play this kind of football and we scored two goals exactly the same way last week. It’s not an accident.”

Also Read:

• East Bengal beat Jamshedpur FC, earn third away win of the season
• Ratings: Cleiton, Mahesh shine as East Bengal vanquish Jamshedpur FC

Thoughts on the penalty 

Jamshedpur FC were given a penalty late in the first half which was eventually converted. Speaking about the penalty decision, Stephen Constantine defended the referees and said that their job is very tough. At the same time, he refrained from making a comment on the referee’s decision.

“I don’t normally talk about referees. You cannot get what you always want. It’s a tough decision for them. They don’t get a lot of time to decide. We get the replays. I think we will be super organised if VAR comes in. I don’t know if it was a penalty or not; I was told it was a high elbow,” he said.

Performance of his players 

The former Blue Tigers’ coach sounded happy and proud. He shared his feelings on how his players performed and said that everyone played their part and that’s why his side won.

“Everyone played well. Cleiton scored two goals. Mahesh is there to supply. Suhair was excellent for the time he was on (the pitch). Lima was fantastic and gave us control of the midfield. Everyone played their part,” he quoted.

Away form

East Bengal have three wins so far in the season. All of their wins have come away from home. When asked about his thoughts on the same, he made an interesting comment.

“I don’t care where we win as long as we win. But, of course, I would like to win at home for the fans. We travel well as I should say,” he signed off.