“Must be prepared for a tough schedule” – East Bengal head coach Antonio Habas stresses ahead of Inter Kashi match in ISL 2026-27

East Bengal face off against Inter Kashi in Pune on October 23.

East Bengal FC have played only one game in the 2026-27 ISL season and won it comfortably, defeating Churchill Brothers SC 4-0. They have also won the Durand Cup this season while impressing in their 2026-27 AFC Champions League Two campaign.

Up next, they face Inter Kashi FC before taking on Al-Seeb in two crucial Champions League clashes.

The clash between Inter Kashi and East Bengal FC is scheduled to take place at the Balewadi Stadium in Pune on 23 October, with kick-off set for 17:00 IST.

Spanish tactician Antonio López Habas is set to face his former club, Inter Kashi FC, as East Bengal FC’s head coach, with the Red and Gold Brigade eager to build on their emphatic 4-0 victory over Churchill Brothers and carry their winning momentum into the ISL 2026–27 clash in Pune.

Ahead of the all-important clash against Inter Kashi, East Bengal FC head coach Antonio López Habas and forward Bipin Singh addressed the media through a virtual press conference conducted via a Google Sheets questionnaire.

Here, is the pre-match conference of East Bengal FC before they face off against Inter Kashi in their second match of the ISL 2026-27 clash in Pune.

Habas comments on rotation policy of the players and tough schedule

East Bengal FC head coach Antonio Habas explained how he plans to rotate his players amid the club’s demanding domestic and continental schedule.

Habas stated: “Yes, we will make a few changes, but not many, as many players are waiting to get their chances too.”

“I don’t want to make any excuses regarding the tough schedule and the travel, but I want to say that we’re well prepared for any challenge that comes our way. I hope we don’t have any injuries that force us to change our plans at the last moment.”

“I think teams that want to win trophies must be prepared for a tough schedule like this,” he added.

Habas on the Inter Kashi Clash and Maintaining East Bengal’s Winning Momentum

The Spaniard emphasised that every match is important for East Bengal, as the team aims to win both their upcoming ISL and AFC matches. He also stated that the squad is well prepared for the upcoming challenges.

Antonio Habas said: “No, I don’t think the match against Inter Kashi will be a preparatory match for our next AFC clash against Al-Seeb. Every match is important for us now, and we have to win both matches.”

“We are well prepared for the match, and all the players are fit to play. I don’t want to differentiate between my foreign and Indian players. Everyone is equally important to the team and me. We want to carry forward the winning momentum from our last match into this game as well,” he concluded.

Bipin Singh on his performance, upcoming challenges, and message for other players in the team

Bipin Singh shared his thoughts on head coach Antonio Habas, East Bengal’s upcoming challenges, and his own performances. He also conveyed a message to his teammates as a senior player ahead of the Inter Kashi clash in ISL 2026–27.

Bipin stated: “Thank you all for asking me this question. Yes, I am very happy that I contributed to the team in the last match after coming off the bench.”

“It was very important for me to score those goals, as I was eagerly waiting for my chance. The win was also important for the team, as it was our first match of the season. Starting the campaign with a win was very valuable for us as well.”

“Whenever I get a chance, I would like to contribute, whether I come off the bench or feature in the starting eleven. For me, the team comes first. We started like defending champions, and we want to carry this momentum forward.”

“Yes, there is a lot of travelling, and we have to play many matches within a short span of time, but we need to adapt to this, as we are all professional players. The recovery time is very limited, but we need to manage that and play our best football so that we can win.”

“I am very lucky to be playing for East Bengal again this season and to train under a coach like Habas. He has a lot of experience in Indian football. So, playing under him, scoring goals and winning trophies feels extra special.”

“I would like to tell all my fellow teammates to train hard and give 100% whenever they get a chance, because the team always comes first. Don’t get disheartened; just believe in yourself and stay focused,” he concluded.

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