Kashyap hints at aiming for the title
SHILLONG: On a high after their comprehensive victory over Pune FC, Royal Wahingdoh FC would aim to bank on the momentum to tame the famed East Bengal when the two sides lock horns in a Hero I-League match at the JN Stadium here on Tuesday.
East Bengal is coming into this match at the back of a defeat against city rivals Mohun Bagan and the tightly scheduled tie will be crucial for both sides.
Currently the Royals are sitting at the third spot in the standings with 17 points while East Bengal is at sixth with 13 points. While a win will give the hosts a chance to retake the second spot, a positive result can catapult the Kolkatans upward. From scoring goals to creating chances and finishing well, Wahingdoh did it all correct against Pune. But coach, Santosh Kashyap is well aware of the new challenge ahead in the form of East Bengal.
“East Bengal always aims for the title. Hence, tomorrow we are going to face one of the most well organised side’s in India. The boys need to be on their toes against them,’’ he said adding that his side was capable of putting up a good show against the visitors.
The RWFC coach also hinted that the “ever improving performance” of his boys gives him the confidence to aim for the title in their debut season.
“We are not chasing the table, our aim is to win every game and move up,” he added.
Kashyap hoped that the Royals will use familiar conditions to their advantage on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, despite a loss against Bagan in their last encounter, East Bengal coach Eelco Schattorie said that his boys have left the derby behind and are “confident and want to win” in Shillong.
He added that despite the intense schedule the players are ready for the “difficult game” against the Royals.
“It’s a long league and any team desiring to be a champion has to win as many games as possible, so it’s always important to put the emotions aside and start preparing for the next game,” Schattorie said when asked if his players would be under pressure coming at the back of a defeat against Bagan.
“It’s a new day, new chance and hope we get three points tomorrow,” he added. He was also all praise for Kashyap terming him as a rare Indian coach who believes in playing attacking football.
Kashyap, meanwhile, acknowledged that he had acquired most of his coaching skills from the likes of Rob Bahn and Wim Koevermans whom he addressed as his mentors.
The match will be telecast live on Ten Action at 4.30 PM.