We will try to punish them when we have the chance: Carles Cuadrat before Kolkata derby

This will be the first Kolkata Derby for Carles Cuadrat as a manager

The curtains open for the first-ever Kolkata derby of the season as East Bengal take on their fiercest rival Mohun Bagan Super Giant in their second game of the Group A fixture of the historic Durand Cup. No matter the competition, the City of Joy is split in two halves and the game and its hype mean everything to fans.

The Durand committee organised the pre-match press conference where head coach Carles Cuadrat and their newest recruit Mandar Rao Dessai took questions from the media on behalf of the East Bengal team. Excerpts as below.

Views on playing the derby

Carles Cuadrat started the pre-match press conference by sharing his views on playing arch-rivals Mohun Bagan. “It’s a big legacy for the city. More than 100 years of happening this kind of match and it is a celebration for the city. Unfortunately, we are not with the full squad yet but we have been working for past two weeks since my arrival. Some players arrived before four weeks like Mandar. We are ready to play fantastic game in fantastic atmosphere,” he said.

Playing the star-studded Mohun Bagan side so early into the season

The Spaniard shared his views when questioned about playing heavyweights Mohun Bagan so early into the season, he quoted by saying, “This is a pre-season game. It’s understandable for some players as it is not possible for some players to play 90 minutes.” He further went on and quoted, “For sure this is a pre-season game and it’s very early to play this fixture but the guys are working hard in understanding what we are starting to do in terms of what we want to achieve on pitch. We are going to see what kind of training sessions we had.”

On realistic chances of defeating Mohun Bagan in the derby

Carles Cuadrat was then asked to comment on whether his team had enough firepower in them to defeat the cross-town rivals in Saturday’s derby. He answered, “We know they are powerful team. They are preparing for the AFC Cup later this month. There are also the ISL champions and we know that and we are also bringing new players but we have a full new team. We have players like Mandar who are experience in playing big games. We will try to punish them when have the chance.”

On the pressure to play in the Kolkata Derby.

Mandar Rao Dessai, who joined the Red and Gold side of Kolkata after fairly successful years with Mumbai City FC spoke about nature of this game and how will the players be feeling in what is a new start for a club. “We know it is a big game for all of us and as coach said most of team is new. We have been preparing well for this game and during the scheduling we knew we will play Mohun Bagan in our second game. The two players who were there here last season last year they know the game they know the pressure but the new players that have come in are experienced players and they have played at a higher level,” he mentioned.

Head coach Carles Cuadrat too, voiced the same opinion and said, “Pressure is always going to be there in football. I was 12 years old when I played my first big Clasico for Barca Academy. I know that game was not at the same magnitude of the Kolkata but having managed previously, the players should be able to learn.”

Carles Cuadrat grateful for fan support

East Bengal head coach, Carles Cuadrat has been thankful towards the EB loyals for the love they have shown towards him. “The supporters are great, you can see how they love the club and are excited to see things happening. We have a lot to give to them and they understand that this is a process. Two steps up two steps down but we want to show the consistency and we are just thankful and we hope to see them here tomorrow, “ he ended.

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