Robbie Fowler: Bringing foreign striker wouldn't win us games

The SC East Bengal head coach spoke ahead of his side's clash against NorthEast United on Saturday.

SC East Bengal will face NorthEast United at Tilak Maidan on Saturday in their third match in the seventh edition of the Indian Super League (ISL). The Red and Gold have lost both their games so far and will be on a quest to bag their first points of the campaign. The comment of some Indian players “not being coached before," made by Robbie Fowler, had created quite a stir post the team’s defeat against Mumbai City FC. 

Reflecting on his statement, he said, “My comments were directed at my team. We are obviously trying to play a certain way and my philosophy is coaching a team to the best of my knowledge and ability. We have an intricate way of playing. We have an identity and a philosophy. My players haven’t been coached this way before.” 

He mentioned that there are a plethora of technically gifted players in India, but mentioned that there’s a need to enhance their overall understanding of the game. He also said that he never meant to disrespect anyone through his statements. 

He added, “We are trying to implement our ways and trying to get the best out of what we have got. It means lots of hours on the pitch, trying to get fundamentally what is right for us as a team and what is right for me as a manager.” 

The tactician reiterated, “Our job now is to get players playing for the national team, trying to get them as good as they can be. We all want the Indian national team to be successful. When the Indian national team is successful, it means everyone is enjoying football, that means the ISL, the I-League – they are all good leagues.”

Further, Robbie Fowler was probed about the club’s transfer activity and whether an additional foreign striker will improve the team’s performances. “I think we have got to be sensible. I think we have an idea of who we can and can’t bring in. We have got to be realistic. Just because you can bring a striker doesn’t mean you are going to win games.”

“Players have got to want to come here. We have got a few phone calls out. We have got a few persons who are working to bring individuals in. It’s not just a striker. We’ve got lots and lots of things that we can discuss,” Fowler opened up. He also said that the team should be cautious of bringing in a foreign and weakening other areas on the pitch. 

Providing an update on the fitness of his players, the 45-year-old said that Aaron Amadi-Holloway is close to returning. On the other hand, the club are awaiting the scan results of Loken Meitei and Danny Fox.