East Bengal coach Stephen Constantine looking forward to maiden Kolkata Derby

The Red & Golds like their derby opponents are yet to win a game in Durand Cup 2022.

In their venture of Durand Cup 2022, Kolkata giants East Bengal are set to face ATK Mohun Bagan in the Kolkata Derby on Sunday. A win in the highly anticipated match can take the Red and Gold brigade to knockouts. Meanwhile, a loss will surely end their Durand Cup campaign. Both teams are yet to win a game in this ongoing tournament and are seated at third and fourth place respectively. East Bengal are on the verge of losing their sixth consecutive Kolkata Derby and Stephen Constantine and players will surely work hard to deny the unwanted record.

As always the stakes are agonizingly high for the first Kolkata Derby of the new football season in India. East Bengal head coach Stephen Constantine shared his thoughts on the game at the pre-match press conference.

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Thoughts on the Kolkata Derby

Although Constantine is not new to India and is well aware of the rivalry between the clubs, he would be a part of it for the first time. And sharing his thoughts on the big match the English coach said the following. 

“Obviously the derby is a big game and very important for East Bengal. It is a tough game. They (ATK Mohun Bagan) have a good team with quality Indian and foreign players. It’s something we are looking forward to.”

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Match fitness, a concern?

East Bengal are yet to field their best XI on the pitch in Durand Cup 2022. The main reason behind this is the lack of match fitness in the players. Most of the players are coming off a big break and need time to get going.

“We have started later than anybody else and we are still trying to get match fitness. I think the game against ATK Mohun Bagan will be an opportunity to give chances to other players.”

Message for the fans

The fans can enjoy the Kolkata Derby in the stadium for the first time after two long years of closed-door football. The manager of the team Stephen Constantine had a clear and loud message for the fans that read, “We will give our best in every game.”

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