Aizawl FC happy being underdog

Landing the knockout punch on reigning ISL champion Chennaiyin FC notwithstanding, Aizawl FC preferred to be the “underdog” as it geared up to face another stiff challenge against East Bengal, in the first quarterfinal of the Hero Super Cup here on Sunday.

“I believe top teams are under pressure now. They have to win the championship and they have their own plans to implement,” Aizawl FC coach Santosh Kashyap said.

“Chennaiyin were the favourites against us. East Bengal will also start as favourites and we’re happy to be the underdogs and stage upsets. They have to perform better and beat us. East Bengal could not win any silverware this season and expectations are huge from them.”

The coach denied that the schedule might take a toll on the players.

“It’s a good opportunity for us. Yes, the schedule is tight but it happens in football. We’re here to give our best and win, that’s it.”

Andrei Ionescu, the architect of Aizawl FC’s last win, said that the team’s victory is more important than personal glory. “We respect East Bengal as opponents. But the game is not played by numbers or names. It starts with the whistle and ends with it. We have come here with a strong positive mentality and we believe that we can beat them tomorrow.

“Winning is important. I would be happy to contribute to the win. That’s my primary concern, not scoring,” said Ionescu.

East Bengal, which made a stunning comeback against Mumbai City FC, is also ready for its rival.

Incidentally, the Kolkata heavyweight have failed to secure a single win against the Mizo outfit this season. But its Brazilian defender Eduardo Ferreira feels it’s time to look forward and move on.

“Every game is like a final here. We have come to play our natural game and win it. Yes, we conceded goals in I-League, but that is in the past. We want to focus on the future.”

Coach Khalid Jamil pointed out that facing a “known” opponent is advantageous but there is a flip side to it too.

“We have a fair idea about them and we can set our strategies accordingly. On the other hand, they also know us vividly and that might help them outwit us,” the former Aizawl FC coach said.

The soft-spoken coach brushed the favourites tag aside, saying, “No one is going to start as favourites. Whoever puts more effort and works harder on the pitch, gets the positive result and tomorrow will be no different.”