I-League: The Pressure's On East Bengal, Not Us - Lajong Coach Stanley Rosario

Shillong Lajong play their final fixture of the first phase of the I-League on Thursday, but their very first in Kolkata, against an East Bengal side that has won both its previous games, after an indifferent start to the league.

Goal.com caught up with Lajong coach Stanley Rosario the evening before the game, and the tactician seemed in good spirits, despite his side not winning any of their last three fixtures.

"There's no frustration at all because of the last three games. This is a new club, and everyone knows that. Most of the lads are new to the I-League scenario, and only four have played in the league before this season.

"Also, it's not that we have played badly in the last three games. We dominated for 60 minutes against Bagan, and also showed a lot of character against Pune, so things are looking up", said Rosario.

The coach also talked about how the team has seemingly grown from their first league game in October till now. He said, "Our biggest strength is our unity. Almost all our players are from the northeast, so they are a close-knit group.

"Over time, they believe a lot more in themselves, and have shown that they can compete with the big names in Indian football. They're a talented bunch with a lot of potential, and are real fighters."

While people expect the Lajong boys to be overawed by their first game in Kolkata, that too against a big team like East Bengal, Rosario, who was formerly coach of East Bengal, begged to differ.

"Playing an away match in Kolkata is a different scenario. I was in the city before, so I know that there are huge expectations from East Bengal, especially their home games.

"So all the pressure is on them, not us. We have played a big team before, and have done well, so there is no question of nervousness or anything like that."

Speaking of East Bengal, the Red and Gold come into the game with back-to-back victories under their belt, having beaten Viva Kerala and Air India 1-0. Rosario too, acknowledged, that they will be up for the game.

He explained, "They've come up the table in the last two games. They have very good individual players, so they're always going to be dangerous.

"They will definitely be more motivated and slightly more confident after the two wins, and will be at home, so they will come at us strongly. However, we are prepared, and at the end of the day, its 11 vs 1 on the field."

New recruit, Nepali striker Anil Gurung is set to feature once more, and make his third appearance in the league. Rosario expressed his happiness with how the young lad has settled in so far, although pointing out that it's early days in his career in India.

He said, "Gurung is a talented lad, and has got that footballing instinct which is required. I'm really happy with him so far, but two games is too less to judge anyone. With more time, he will adapt to our style of play and tactics even more."

On his plans during the transfer window, Rosario mentioned, "Yes I would want to include some players and increase our bench strength. We are primarily looking at defensive players at the moment."

East Bengal host Lajong on Wednesday, in both the teams' final I-League game in the first phase.

Atishay Agarwal