We don't need negative energy, Robbie Fowler blasts critics

The Englishman also revealed that he knows it will be a difficult match against Jamshedpur FC.

It has been a difficult start for SC East Bengal in their Indian Super League journey. The Red & Gold Brigade have lost all of their first three fixtures in the league, and remain at the bottom of the table so far - something that has put even more pressure on the coaching staff. However, they face Jamshedpur FC in their next game, ahead of which, head coach Robbie Fowler interacted in the pre-match press conference, speaking about his team and more.

"We haven't been too bad in terms of performance, the results may have gone against us but we are ready for the face-off," he began. "It's a tough game (against Jamshedpur FC) but we know we can go and try to improve where we are going," Robbie Fowler added.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KX6gB-zlUtU

The Englishman have had a hard time in his debut season in India with East Bengal, as his side is still searching for their maiden win in the league. The winless run and recent performance of the team have resulted in several former players as well as fans of the club to put pressure and criticize the tactician.

"This is not ideal. I think what we all have to remember is it's all about the club. I hope it's not a political statement from former players, you being a part of the previous ownerships, I hope that's not the case. If that is so then that's quite poor," he said.

"I like to believe that regardless of the players, the club will always be here, so support the club and give us lots of positive energy and at this moment we don't need negative energy. The players need positivity and I request the former players who claim to have the best (intention) of the club, let's get behind everyone."

SC East Bengal have experienced a scoring problem this season as they yet to score their first goal in the league. Striker Balwant Singh have failed to impress while Jeje Lalpekhlua has made only one substitution appearance.

Quizzed about the inconsistency by the his strikers, Robbie Fowler answered, "It's not always about the strikers, we need other players to get goals as well. I have been more worried about players who haven't got chances."

"We are a team that loves to play football. I think we have an identity philosophy and wouldn't change that cause that's what we are and what we are all about. It's not ideal for strikers to lack scoring goals but ok we are getting chances. If you are a striker and you are not getting chances that's a time to worry, but we are getting chances so it's not a matter to really worry too much," he added.

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The 45-year-old also raised his concern about the referees in the ISL. "We want to score goals and we know that. We had a little bit of hard luck as a few decisions regarding penalties has gone against us and we hope to overcome that," he quipped.

SC East Bengal will miss the presence of Holloway, Fox, and Loken in the lineup against Jamshedpur FC. "They are still not ready they have gone through a big injury and we have to look after them. How long they will be out I don't know but hopefully, soon they will return than later," Robbie Fowler revealed.

ALSO READ: Preview: SC East Bengal look to clinch maiden victory over Jamshedpur FC

Speaking on his thought from the match ahead, the tactician shared, "I have known Owen (Coyle) for a long time. I have played a few times against him and he is an absolute winner in getting what he wants to see on the field. We will be underdogs in the game but sometimes underdogs win the game and I hope this will be the start of our journey."

"They (Jamshedpur FC) did a great result (against ATK Mohun Bagan) and great performance so they will be desperate to get out on the field and play. We know it will be a difficult game and we are preparing keeping that in mind," the SC East Bengal boss finished off.

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