Robbie Fowler: It will be tough to break down Chennaiyin FC

The former Liverpool striker expressed confidence on the Red & Gold Brigade squad ahead of tough Chennaiyin bout.

SC East Bengal will be again on the quest for their first win in the Indian Super League when they take on Chenniayin FC. The Red and Gold were ahead for large parts of the game against Kerala Blasters, but a last-minute header from Jeakson Singh meant the spoils were shared between both sides. Speaking about the morale of the players after a hard result, head coach Robbie Fowler feels that his players are in great shape to face the Marina Machans. 

Fowler on the current morale within the SC East Bengal squad

"Not a chance, I think the morale that we have got here is good. At times, we have been unlucky. It is unfortunate that you concede goals in the last minute. Our lads worked very well. I have said plenty of times that we had plenty of chances and we could have won the game convincingly. 

“Football is like that, ups and downs and we have had plenty of downs at the moment. But, the morale of the lads is brilliant. Hoping that there will be a lot of ups and it will be from the start of the next game," the tactician said in the pre-match press conference.

Thoughts on transfer dealings

A lot of speculation has started floating around regarding East Bengal's transfer dealings. Robbie Fowler assured the fans that reinforcements are coming in to strengthen the unit for the remainder of the season. 

He said, "We are always looking if there's any player available and if we feel that he would benefit us then, of course, we will be interested. We are trying to bring in 1-2 players. Obviously, I can't name them. But, we will try to bring someone in."

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The club have also released a few players on loan and that has sparked controversy, as fans feel some of them did not get enough chances to prove their credentials. However, Fowler completely disagreed and felt that it would benefit them to get games elsewhere. He said, "To the lads who got out, I think we have had opportunities to look at them over a 5-6 week period. We just felt that we are not going to play them as much.

“So, it is not like me being nasty or predictive, but it's me trying to do what's best for the club. We are trying to get the best results for the club. The players who aren't playing should go and get games elsewhere. It's not nice, but someone has to make a decision and that is mine to make. 

Trying to build a long steady ship

When questioned about the motivation of the players, Fowler highlighted how he is looking at a longer and sustainable plan at the club and the players are totally behind him.  

"This is a job that we all love. I hate saying it is a job because it is something we love doing. It is football and we are all paid quite well to bring out the best of everyone. We play the game because we love it and anything that you love, you're motivated to do it at the very best. Yes, we have not won, but we have lost once in three games now. 

“The tide is turning and hopefully, it will be sooner rather than later. Everyone here is 120% behind me in what we are trying to do. This is a massive club and we know that. But, we can do what they have done for the past 16-17 years, that is how long they have not won the league. They have always been after quick-fixes, but we are not after a quick-fix here. We are after a steady ship that can go on and prolong itself for a long journey."

Areas to improve

The Englishman also shared his insights on the areas which he and his support staff are working on everyday to improve within the team. He stated, "We are giving our everything and sometimes you are under a little bit of pressure. We know we are trying everything we can to get results and that means trying to be solid defensively and also offensively.

“There is lots of work that goes on behind the scenes that people don't see. Lots of video analysis, lots of analysis with players and we are all trying to work on that solid defence. We work on oppositions, but more on how our shape is. We are trying to work on things that we are good at and we will continue to do that."

Thoughts on Csaba Laszlo & Chennaiyin FC

Lastly, the Liverpool legend was full of praise for Chennaiyin FC and their manager Csaba Laszlo. He feels that it will be tough for his men against a team full of excellent players. 

"The manager has got a lot of time and is someone whom I looked up to in terms of what he has achieved in the game. He has a solid team and also some excellent players. Our job is to stop them and that's difficult because good players shine in lots of games. Chennaiyin FC have been consistent for a number of years now. Good solid team, good solid manager and it will be tough to break them down, but we have to go out there and give our best."

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