Colaco hints at quitting East Bengal
Kolkata: East Bengal struck in the space of six minutes after Mohun Bagan got the lead as the two traditional rivals settled for a 1-1 draw in an otherwise lacklustre I-League derby clash at the Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan here on Tuesday.
Mohun Bagan drew the first blood in the 24th minute when their marquee recruit Pierre Boya perfectly headed a clinical corner by Katsumi Yusa to put it past Abhijit Mondal under the bar.
A minute earlier, Mondal saved a powerful Boya header from a close angle but this time he was out of reach to thwart the Cameroon striker’s attempt.
But the joy was shortlived as East Bengal, who were the hosts of the first leg, brought the match on an even keel and it was Ranty Martins who made amend of his costly miss in the first minute with a brilliant header.
The goal was set up by Mehtab Hossain from a corner as the East Bengal playmaker played a nice ball to Mama who curled it in with Martins timing it perfectly for the equaliser.
Meanwhile, East Bengal coach Armando Colaco on Tuesday refused to comment on whether he will be quitting the club but dropped enough hints that he could be on his way out dismayed with the way he has been treated at the red-and-gold-camp.
“I’ve never faced so much of pressure in my life. But I’m relieved that I’ll go back home and sleep peacefully… My wife is here,” Colaco told reporters after his side’s 1-1 draw against Mohun Bagan in an I-League derby match.
“No comments (on future), but I’ll take a call in two-three days,” he said.
It is understood that East Bengal have chosen Colaco’s successor in former United SC coach Eelco Schattorie. The Dutchman is learnt to have reached the city.
Colaco did not name anyone but he hit out at the team management.
“I’m really sad with the way I’ve been treated in the past few days. I’m not naming anyone, you people are smart enough to understand. If it was someone else, he would not have officiated in the derby but I’m a professional,” the I-League winning former Dempo coach added.
Colaco said that another door would open soon for him. “Like East Bengal door had opened, after I was finished with Dempo, I’m sure something will crop up soon. Otherwise I’ll go back to my academy. Colaco will always remain associated with football without which I’m like fish out of water.”
Colaco, who succeeded Marcos Falopa in November 2013, has an unbeaten record against Mohun Bagan — winning two and drawing two — and the Goan was all praise of his team.
“I’m proud of my boys. They are one of the strongest title contenders this season,” he said. (PTI)