Robbie Fowler: We'll challenge for top four, mathematically it’s not over

The Englishman spoke ahead of his side's crucial fixture against FC Goa on Wednesday.

“It’s a totally different and an incredibly tough game but we go on to face them with a bit more points and obviously a bit more confidence. We will try to play good football and keep better possession,” said Robbie Fowler ahead of SC East Bengal’s clash against FC Goa in the Indian Super League on Wednesday.

Momentum in favour

The Red and Gold tasted their first win of the season in the first game of 2021 as they beat Odisha FC. The team now seems to be in better shape as the tactician said, “We will try to get off our backs and we want to win games. The players are probably now in a little bit of a better place than where they were a few weeks ago.” 

He further said, “But, like always, I have told them to play the way they can. Because if you can play the way you can, then we can win games and we are not a million miles away from it. Look, we have won a game but we will not get carried away. We are always working to get the right results.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IV-HBevxo94

Plans to stop FC Goa’s attacking threat

Quizzed about his tricky opponents this week and his plans to stop them, the Englishman said, “I don’t think they are tricky. The only thing tricky is maybe to play games in short succession. That is how fixture lists are planned out in football and we know how to tune our squad.” He added, “We know they love to play with the possession and we will work on that to resist them. We will try to find the back of the net as soon as possible so that we have something for Goa to think of.”

ALSO READ: East Bengal Vs FC Goa Preview: Can Gaurs close down the gap to top?

Will Bright Enobakhare start against Gaurs?

“That’s a good thing about having a good band of players in the squad. Obviously, Bright (Enobakhare) has been a great addition to the team and we are working on the different options we have regarding formations,” said Robbie Fowler when asked about the new signing’s chance to start the next game. “It’s not right for me to tell the opposition coaches whom I will play and whom not.”

Defensive frailties

Speaking about the questions raised on their defensive shape Robbie Fowler continued, “Defence is not at all a problem. In the first few games, everyone spoke of the forward issue and now all of a sudden the defense is a problem.” He further referred to the last game saying, “Regardless of what people say the Odisha game was a tough game and we made a win out of it. I don’t see problems at all. We conceded a goal from a team that was fighting for life in the last match. So, it’s not a matter of concern. We lacked a clean-sheet but got full points and that’s more important.” 

Chances of qualifying for top four

Speaking about whether SCEB are still a contender for the title, Robbie Fowler was optimistic. “It’s not over yet. We have got a lot of games and of course, we will challenge for the top four because mathematically it’s not over. We will fight every game and try to reach that height,” he added while signing off.