Robbie Fowler: We're a team that was built for the I-League

The Englishman spoke on the back of his side’s pitiful defeat to Hyderabad FC.

Misery continued for SC East Bengal as they fell to a narrow 3-2 defeat against a rampant Hyderabad FC side in the Indian Super League. Although they managed to score their most-awaited first-ever goal courtesy a Jacques Maghoma brilliance, they are still winless this season and that is a huge reason to worry after five matches. Head coach Robbie Fowler was visibly frustrated after his side squandered their lead in the second half.

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Takeaways from the game

East Bengal could have had their first-ever taste of victory tonight but their fate had other plans. The team looked a lot better on the pitch and were thriving forward looking for goalscoring opportunities and had even found their way into the opposition net but still couldn't get the first three points. Despite the loss, Robbie Fowler was somewhat satisfied to see his team getting into the shape he wants. “We can do a lot better,” said the Englishman after the narrow defeat. “We scored a couple of goals which is obviously a positive result and we proved that we can score goals. Now, we have to improve our concentration levels,” added the Liverpool legend.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhS6Z1Fkd8w

Maghoma’s brilliance

Maghoma got his name scripted in the history of East Bengal by becoming the first-ever player for the Red and Gold to score a goal in the ISL. Although his two goals couldn't bring home the much needed three points, scoring after 385 minutes is a victory for the team in itself. Robbie Fowler was rightfully impressed with Maghoma’s performance. “He scored two goals so of course he is a player who is offensively very good,” commented the Englishman. “We asked him to play a specific role and he popped up with two goals as well so he has done his job,” he said while praising the goalscorer. 

Realted: Aridane brace as Hyderabad FC edge SC East Bengal in five-goal thriller

About the team’s recruitment process

Furthermore, Robbie Fowler pointed out at the lack of quality of the team. “I think we're a team that was built for the I-League. The recruitment process for the team was for the I-League, but suddenly we catapulted into the ISL. The ISL has its leaps and bounds. We know that, so it's up to the players to try and show that they are good enough for the ISL,” said the visibly disappointed coach. But in spite of being a critic, he believes that his team can walk it all off and get the desired results in the coming games. “For a big club like us, I think the players need to look at themselves and pick each other up,” quoted Robbie Fowler, with a sense of motivation.

Upcoming fixtures

East Bengal play Kerala Blasters in the next game and their coach feels that this is not the end for his boys. “We have to pick ourselves up,” he said with all faith on his team. Robbie Fowler, who was pleased with his team’s performance against the Nizams was optimistic that the good days are not far away. “We will work on the training pitch like we always do,” added the East Bengal coach, citing a ray of hope for the millions of fans of his team.

Also Read: Indian Super League 2020-21: Five things we learned in Gameweek 5

“It's still not over”

Although qualification for the playoffs spots are far from reality for the team, Robbie Fowler believes the journey of the team is not over just yet. “We need to show and there is still a possibility,” spoke the optimistic Englishman. With 15 more games to play before the regular league season ends, the Red and Gold Brigade’s head coach feels there is a lot of time in hand to get all things in the right place and go for something which, if pulled off, would be absolutely miraculous. “We need to improve massively but it's still not over. We’ve got a lot of points to play for and there is a lot of performance left in us,” he signed off.

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