Bino George acknowledges 'fighting spirit' of East Bengal players ahead of Kolkata Derby

The Torchbearers will look for their first points of this campaign in Indian football’s biggest showdown.

The Kolkata Derby is knocking on the door as Bino George’s East Bengal FC face Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 at the iconic Salt Lake Stadium. This will be the second Kolkata Derby of this ISL season.

In the first mini Kolkata Derby, Mohun Bagan beat ISL debutant and local rivals Mohammedan SC in a one-sided match with a 3-0 scoreline on 5th October. On the other hand, the Red & Gold Brigade struggled in the first four matches of the season and have since remained at the bottom of the league table.

Following this, former head coach Carles Cuadrat parted ways with the club after the third game. Bino George took charge as the interim head coach, and on 8th October, the club announced Spanish coach Óscar Bruzón as the new manager until the end of the current season.

Bino George on the feeling in the East Bengal camp ahead of the Derby

Bino George and the Torchbearers’ Spanish midfielder Saúl Crespo shared their views about the match in the pre-match press conference. Speaking about the derby, George started by saying, “Old match-up, we are doing our best. Winning and losing is a part of the game. But for us, tomorrow’s derby, especially for the East Bengal team, is emotional, so we are looking forward to the match.”

Spanish tactician Óscar Bruzón has not arrived at the club due to visa issues, as reported by media outlets. In this context, Bino George replied, “Most probably, he will be sitting on the bench.”

ALSO READ: East Bengal predicted lineup for Mohun Bagan clash in ISL 2024-25 Kolkata Derby

Answering a question about the team’s past performances, Bino George emphasised that the East Bengal players are raring to go. He continued, “I am seeing in the training ground; the players are very eager to fight. The fighting spirit will be back. So, I hope they can do it in this match.”

Saul Crespo on his involvement in the derby

Saúl Crespo, initially down with dengue fever, showed up for the pre-match press conference and is in contention for the all-important game. Talking about his fitness, Crespo said he is fully fit. He concluded, “I feel good now, I am 100% fit. It’s true that I had dengue, and I didn’t feel so good last week, but now I am 100% fit.”

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