Anthony Grant: Young players in ISL have high standards than before

The Red and Gold's assistant coach insisted that they will be eyeing three points against the Gaurs.

SC East Bengal will be eager to get back to winning ways when they face a depleted FC Goa side up next in the Indian Super League. The Red and Gold gave a great account of themselves, but failed to avert defeat against Mumbai City FC in their last match. However, they may fancy their chances in their encounter against a weakened Goa. Ahead of the game, assistant coach Anthony Grant addressed the media.

Best opportunity to beat FC Goa?

FC Goa defender Ivan Gonzalez is suspended and James Donachie suffered a bad injury and is unlikely to play against the Red and Gold. Therefore, when questioned whether this will be the best chance for SC East Bengal to defeat the Gaurs, Anthony Grant said, "It certainly is an opportunity, as we have ourselves experienced it when we lost our captain early doors and it does not help. So, of course, every team is going to hate when they lose some of their better players. It does help our opportunities."

Competitiveness in ISL

The league is opening up with every passing day, with higher-ranked teams dropping points. The assistant coach highlighted how the league has improved over the years and how every draw offers other teams an opportunity to get ahead in the race for the playoffs.

"I think the competition is improving every year. From what I have seen last year to this year, I think the standards are improving. The younger players playing for all the teams are of much higher standards from years gone by.

"So, the competition is also heating up. Obviously, a lot of teams are not picking up three points and it gives everyone else an opportunity. It is not just for us, but a draw gives everyone else an opportunity to climb the ladder," Anthony Grant opined.

Going all out for win?

SC East Bengal are in desperate need of a win to get in the mix of the chasing pack, who are right on the tails of the top four. When quizzed whether the Red and Gold will go all out for a win against the Gaurs, he clarified, "We go all out to win each and every game.

"This season, we have had three games with 10 men and to get to know the players in the ISL, the first 10 games were almost like trial games. We did not know the players and now we have known them. But, we go all out to win every game. Sometimes, a penalty can be the deciding factor of the outcome or even in case of a poor decision."