Which concerns did Bino George highlight ahead of East Bengal's high-altitude AFC Challenge League opener?

The Torchbearers will aim to make the most of their journey on the Asian stage after an underwhelming start to the season.

Indian Super League (ISL) club East Bengal FC will be looking to get off the blocks with a bang in their AFC Challenge League encounter against Bhutan club Paro FC on Saturday.

Ahead of the kick-off of the first of the three group-stage matches, assistant manager Bino George was optimistic about the Torchbearers’ chances against Paro FC. While the club currently sits at the bottom of the ISL league standings, the AFC Challenge League could be a welcome distraction from recent struggles.

On the eve of their first group stage match in the revamped third-tier Asian men’s club competition, East Bengal assistant manager Bino George, and seasoned midfielder Naorem Mahesh Singh shared insights on their team’s preparation.

Bino George on East Bengal’s challenges against Paro FC

Bino George highlighted that the team is ready for the Paro FC challenge in this high-stakes tournament. Talking about their inaugural appearance in the AFC Challenge League, he stated, “It is nice to be prepared for the first-ever Challenge League in AFC. So, I am very honored to be here.”. The tournament marks an important milestone for East Bengal, bringing them into a competitive stage against talented clubs from across Asia.

A big challenge for the Kalinga Super Cup 2024 champions will be adapting to the playing environment in Bhutan. While talking about Thimphu’s high altitude and the artificial turf at the Changlimithang Stadium, George reinstated his belief in the team’s preparations. He added, “The challenge is, you know, we have never played on an artificial turf. So this is one of the challenges. We have a plan, and we stick to the plan. That’s all.”

ALSO READ: East Bengal vs Paro FC lineups, team news, prediction & preview | AFC Challenge League 2024-25

While East Bengal’s journey into the AFC Challenge League marks new ground for the club, Paro FC hold an advantage as they will be in familiar surroundings. Bino George recognised the same as he commented, “We respect the opponent. They have good foreign players. I believe my players are capable of scoring goals this time. So now we are adapting the new style of play that the coaches want. We are not worried about these things. We have a plan against each team. So we will go with our plan.”

Mahesh Singh on playing in high altitudes

Mahesh Singh, a key player in East Bengal’s lineup, echoed George’s sentiments, noting that the conditions in Bhutan will be a test but expressed comfort due to his early training experiences on similar surfaces. He mentioned, “For me personally, I grew up in an academy where it’s almost the same. Like this altitude and [artificial surface], I think for me, it will be a little okay.” Entering his fourth season with the Torchbearers, Mahesh’s confidence and familiarity could be a vital asset as he leads his team into unchartered territory.

The team has spent significant time adjusting their training regimen to align with the high-altitude climate and artificial turf, demonstrating a commitment to adaptability and resilience. Beyond the immediate challenge posed by Paro FC, East Bengal’s group stage includes formidable opponents from other nations, including teams from Lebanon and Bangladesh. For East Bengal, the Challenge League represents a proving ground not only for the team’s individual talent but also for the club’s position in the Asian football landscape.

The preparations for the AFC Challenge League reflect a blend of excitement, anticipation, and a strong resolve to overcome obstacles. East Bengal will be looking to get their hands on some silverware again this season when they face Paro FC on October 26, 2024.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.