East Bengal FC interim head coach Bino George is optimistic that the club will qualify for the Indian Super League 2024-25 playoffs despite their 2-0 loss against Jamshedpur FC at the JRD Tata Sports Complex on Saturday.
East Bengal FC have got off to a horrid start to the 11th season of the league as they have lost all of their four matches so far and find themselves at the bottom of the standings.
Meanwhile, Tachikawa scored in the 21st minute for the home team whereas Chungnunga scored an own goal in the 71st minute. East Bengal dominated the possession with 65.1% and took a total of 18 shots, including six on target but failed to capitalize on their chances.
Saul Crespo missed a penalty for East Bengal FC and Cleiton Silva and Hector Yuste hit the crossbar.
“They got two big chances and they scored. We are trying our best. I appreciate the boys today, they did their best. We had a lot of possession, we created a lot of chances. Points are important right now, but unfortunately we don’t have any. Football is like that sometimes,” Bino George said during the post-match press conference.
“Luck was also a factor today. We missed the penalty, we hit the woodwork multiple times. Their goalkeeper made many outstanding saves. If the penalty had gone in, the game would have changed completely,” he added.
George added that his team played more attacking as compared to the previous three matches and he is optimistic of turning the tables.
“Compared to the last three games, we played more attacking football. We were attacking from the first minute itself. East Bengal FC have a spirit and that will come back. We have a break. Hopefully, we can make a fresh start,” he said.
“I still believe that my players have quality. My duty is to push them and motivate them. It’s just four games, ISL is a very long league. I have 100% belief that East Bengal FC will be among the top six,” he added.
East Bengal FC will next take on Mohun Bagan Super Giant at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata on 19th October.
