We must maintain our intensity for the full ninety minutes: Eelco Schattorie
Kingfisher East Bengal make a trip to the west to face Mumbai FC at Cooperage on Wednesday evening, in a game that has little at stake in terms of East Bengal who occupy the fourth place in the table fairly distant from the teams directly above and below them.
Head Coach Eelco Schattorie believes the scenario of the league gives Mumbai FC the edge as he expects them to charged up for the game, while his players may struggle for motivation to perform. “Both the sides have very different ambitions. Mumbai FC are fighting relegation and will be charged up for the game. Meanwhile, the only thing left for us to play, is improving our ranking and sometimes it may affect your motivation levels”.
But the Dutch coach feels he will do all it takes to get his side in the right frame of mind before the game against Mumbai FC. “As a coach I try to motivate them to play well. We have already done well in matches which don’t mean a lot. Recently, we came back from 2-0 down in the AFC Cup to draw the game at 2-2, so we aren’t new to this situation and we have delivered on such occasions in the past”.
The Red & Golds have endured a topsy-turvy campaign so far, and coach Eelco Shattorie feels low fitness levels among his squad is a major reason for the inconsistency. “I have been here just for three months and since I came in, the fitness levels of the players weren’t great mainly due to the ISL and fixture congestion thanks to the AFC Cup. So I have not got time to train my squad’s fitness properly which has resulted in many muscle injuries for my players”.
The Dutch coach confirmed his East Bengal side will be without midfielder Mehtab Hussain and left back Robert for the game against Mumbai FC as the duo nurse an injury. “We have a major injury setback in midfielder Mehtab Hussain who would have been perfect in a game like this where East Bengal are likely to have more ball possession, and also right back Robert who is out with injury”.
Eelco Schattorie claimed he always wants to win despite the situation and goes into every game thinking so. But he doesn’t feel his opposite number has the same approach and hence feels the need for his side to be wary of the threat which Mumbai FC pose. “I always try to win any match, but the Mumbai FC coach’s approach is a little different, they always set up in a way to ensure they don’t lose rather than go for the win”.
“I have seen their games and often they retreat into their own box. So the chances of us dominating the ball possession are high. But we must be careful while dealing with their counter attacks as we will have plenty of space behind our defence”.
The Dutchman though feels his side are the favourites for tomorrow’s game despite being away if his side could maintain the same intensity levels for the full ninety minutes. “We are a better team than Mumbai in terms of quality, but if we don’t maintain our intensity for the full ninety minutes, we would surrender that edge to Mumbai and they could also end up winning the game. So it is upto my players, how they deal with the game tomorrow”.
With nothing but pride to play for, Eelco Schattorie’s will to win could compensate the loss of motivation in his players if any. With the best strike force in the league and one of the better teams on the ball, Kingfisher East Bengal represent a huge threat to Mumbai FC and a share of spoils again might not be that bad a result for the hosts.
“This team has worked for 1 year 10 months together to mark their statement” Head Coach Of Mumbai City FC U19 – Mohan Dass
In an Exclusive Interview with Mumbai City FC Coach Mohan Suresh Dass, we take a look into the Mumbai City FC U19’s triumphant journey in the MFA Super League The…
Undefeated MYJ GMSC lead the Reliance Foundation Development League – Mumbai Region
The Mumbai Leg of Reliance developmental league regional round kicked off last week, and its MYJ GMSC who have race to the top of the table. MYJGMSC are currently the…
Blue Tigers miss chances to settle for a draw against Afghanistan
Afghanistan 0drew withIndia 0 ABHA, SAUDI ARABIA: India played out a goalless draw against hosts Afghanistan at the Damac Stadium in Abha, Saudi Arabia, in their third FIFA World Cup 2026…
India suffer shock defeat against Afghanistan
GUWAHATI: India’s quest for a place in the third round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 Preliminary Joint Qualifiers suffered a serious jolt when they went…
Indian Super League / Transfer News
Chennaiyin FC defender Bijay Chhetri signs for Uruguayan club
Bijay Chhetri becomes the first Indian player to sign with Latin American club after he joins Uruguayan club Colon Futbol Club on loan. The 22-year-old rising Indian footballer Bijay Chhetri…
Blue Tigers ready to pounce on Afghanistan in chock-a-block Guwahati Stadium
GUWAHATI: The Indian senior men’s team will look to pocket full points as they take on Afghanistan in the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 Preliminary Joint Qualification…
Odisha FC: The newly-crowned queens of Indian women’s football
NEW DELHI: Odisha FC Women had a dream to chase when the club was formed 20 months ago. And for dreamers, they knew, hard facts are never an obstacle. So, they…
India U23 draw with Malaysia in second friendly tie
NEW DELHI: The India Under-23 Men’s National Team drew 1-1 with the hosts Malaysia Under-23 team in their second friendly match at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on…
AIFF to felicitate Sunil Chhetri on his 150th International for the Blue Tigers
NEW DELHI: The All India Football Federation will felicitate Indian Senior Men’s Team captain Sunil Chhetri, who is expected to play his 150th Senior International match in the FIFA World Cup…
Goalkeeper Elangbam Chanu signs for Australian club Metro United WFC
Elangbam Panthoi Chanu, the Indian Womens team Goalkeeper becomes the first Indian player to play in Australian League after signing for Metro United WFC. Elangbai Panthoi Chanu the Indian Keeper…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…