I-League: Need a point to remain in contention, says East Bengal coach

Siliguri (West Bengal), April 8: East Bengal coach Trevor Morgan on Saturday rued the side's poor performances in the last two football matches, adding they needed a point at least to stay in contention for the I-League title when they square off against Mohun Bagan here on Sunday.

East Bengal lost both their previous encounters against Chennai City FC and Churchill Brothers on the road, and are on 27 points from 14 games. Bagan have played a game less and have 26 in their kitty. 

More importantly, the green and maroon brigade come into the tie with two back-to-back wins against defending champions Bengaluru FC and Dhaka Limited Abahani in the AFC Cup group stage.

"Their current form shows that they are in a better form. Our players have to wear the shirt and show. I have been very disappointed in the last two games, tomorrow is the day to make it right," Morgan told reporters on the eve of the marquee match.

"The minimum, I feel that we need to remain in the hunt is a point. Can't say the game will be a do-or-die, never know what is going to happen in football. If we win tomorrow, it puts us right back in it," the British coach said.

Morgan informed that Haitian striker Wedson Anselme is fit for the game.

"Wedson is in the squad. He has been out for five weeks so his fitness levels are not going to be up to others."

Asked the difference between table toppers Aizawl FC (30 points from 14 games) who play Bengaluru FC on Sunday and second-placed East Bengal, Morgan said there isn't any.

"No difference. With four games to go, it will be very difficult to pick up points if we won't win tomorrow. If we win, we go four points clear of Mohun Bagan and if we lose, Mohun Bagan will be two points ahead of us with a game in hand. We do depend on other teams but it wouldn't matter who we are playing tomorrow. What it will depend upon is that do we pick up points or not."