Just because we are East Bengal we are not title contenders-Morgan

The Englishman said his team must work as a unit to win their first I-League title...

East Bengal head coach Trevor Morgan is currently in his second stint with the Kolkata giants. However, he was reluctant to the recent talk making the Red and Gold brigade one of the title contenders in this season’s I-League.

Talking about East Bengal and their chances of clinching the I-League trophy for the first time, Morgan did not put neither himself nor his team better than the others. “Just because we are East Bengal, we are not title contenders” he said before adding, “Whoever works harder, will eventually be the champion. That is how this game works.”

Morgan was also asked about the absence of several high profile Indian teams such as Sporting Clube de Goa, Dempo SC and Salgaocar FC and his feelings towards the title chances being easier than ever. While the English manager accepted the importance of the history of one club he denied that it can make any difference in winning the league. “Look at Bengaluru FC, they made their own history last year,” the 60-year old said.

Considering the injury woes East Bengal are facing, the coach was asked about his preferred formation in their opening match against minnows Aizawl FC. “We will have to answer that tomorrow” he said.

East Bengal have had a busy transfer window in the last couple of weeks. The Red and Gold brigade have signed three foreigners in Willis Plaza, Wedson Anselme and Ivan Bukenya. While Wedson has participated in several training sessions, Plaza and Bukenya haven’t because of their late arrival to the city. Keeping the fact in mind the former Dempo manager said, “Both of them had really long flights from different countries. I would say to give them a week.”

Morgan is keen to employ a team game for the rest of the season. The former Kerala Blasters assistant manager was asked about his impressions of the strike force at his disposal but the Englishman made it clear that he is expecting a complete performance from his team. “It’s not just the strike force. It’s no good for the strike force if the midfield players don’t give them the ball. It’s no good if the midfield players don’t get the ball passed from the defenders. We are not relying on one person.”

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In conclusion, Morgan was asked the most vital question that has been going around among the club supporters. Do Dong-hyun, the foreign player from the Asian quota was previously released by the club last year, a position which has not been replaced by any new incoming player since. Trevor Morgan was directly asked about the latest developments with the club’s transfer policy regarding the fourth foreigner but refused to answer the question.