SC East Bengal’s central defender Franjo Prce put in a shift in his debut appearance against Jamshedpur FC in the Hero Indian Super League. The Croatian was instrumental in both boxes, as he scored the only goal for his side, with a fabulous overhead kick from close range.

Prce will be faced with a whole different challenge when he comes up against a clinical ATK Mohun Bagan side on Saturday, who looked classy in the season opener against Kerala Blasters FC.

Ahead of the much anticipated Kolkata Derby, he interacted with the SC East Bengal media team and spoke about the historic game, the team's mentality, and left a message for the fans. Here are the excerpts from the conversation.

On his goal vs Jamshedpur FC

It is always a good thing to score the first goal in the opening game of the season, so I was very happy but before the game, I had some feelings because the same thing happened to me in Cyprus, I played the first game for one of the teams, and I also scored, That game we won, so I was hoping that we will win this one also.

On what he can improve on

We can improve many things, of course, every one of us makes mistakes but we need to train hard and be focused on the game and to prepare in the best way for this game.

On ATK Mohun Bagan’s forwards

Yes and I think they have different types of forwards but I think we have quality in our defence, so it will be a tough game but I think we can fight with them.

On the preparations before the Kolkata derby

It’s going well, all players are concentrating on our job. We want to give happiness to our fans to win this derby because we know what it means for them, so we hope we will celebrate after the game.

On the knowledge, he has acquired about the derby

I was watching every night, the games of our league. I always see at half-time, there are always some stories about the derby, so I understood the value of this derby for all Indian people, not only for people from Kolkata. Indian players are always speaking only about that game. I got information about this derby, we will be prepared.

His message to the fans before the derby

We will give our 100% and we will fight for every ball, anything can happen in football we know but we will be there ready to battle this thing, to give everything to win, and to give happiness to our fans.

Watch the full video interview with the SC East Bengal media team below: