East Bengal FC assistant coach was happy to see his side make a comeback against Kerala Blasters FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on Wednesday.

The Red and Gold Brigade started the game, but it was the home side who pounced on a mistake from East Bengal FC to take the lead through Fedor Cernych. However, the visitors drew themselves back with Saul Crespo scoring from the spot, minutes after Jeakson Singh was sent off by the referee.

Crespo netted his second of the night in the 71st minute, propelling the visitors into the lead. The Blasters' woes continued as Noacha Singh received his marching orders a few minutes later. Naorem Mahesh Singh further increased the tally, but the Blasters managed to reduce the deficit with an own goal by Hijazi Maher. Nonetheless, Mahesh found the net once more, restoring the two-goal lead and securing the crucial three points.

East Bengal FC took out Aleksandar Pantic and Sayan Banerjee to bring in more attacking Victor Vazquez along with Harmanjot Singh Khabra.

George talked about the half-time substitutions which helped the Red and Gold Brigade take firm control of the game and register their first comeback win in an away game in the ISL.

“After half time, we made changes. We discussed with each other during the break and sent out the substitutions. So we are very happy (with the outcome). They (Kerala Blasters FC) were also one man down during the break, which helped us” George stated in the post-match press conference.

The Kolkata side is set to face Bengaluru FC in their second-to-last league match at home on Sunday. They are in a position where they must secure victories in their remaining two games and rely on favourable outcomes in other matches to qualify for the playoff stage.

“We are looking forward to the next match. We want to go to the top six that is our aim. Our head coach has a plan and we will stick to the same plan,” he added.

East Bengal FC have given debuts to several youngsters already this season, and they have made a positive impact on the game despite the limited playing time they've received.

The 21-year-old Kerala-born winger, Aman CK, came on as a substitute and played a vital role in winning the ball, setting up Crespo for the second goal.

“Coach Carles wants to put in more youngsters in the team and they are doing a fantastic job for the team. (When) they get more opportunities they will get groomed,” George stated.

With this victory, the Red and Gold Brigade have leapt four places and now stand sixth in the table with 21 points from 20 matches, just a point behind Bengaluru FC in sixth place.

George believes that the victory against the Blasters will boost the confidence of the side ahead of the remaining two crucial matches.

“Kerala Blasters FC is a good side, and they have already qualified for the playoffs. So, everybody in our team will be motivated by this win,” he said.

“They (players) are working hard, they want to qualify for the playoffs. Not only has the players or the coaching staffs, but everybody has that one goal - (to qualify for the playoffs),” George added.

Related tags:

Kerala Blasters FCEast Bengal FC2023-2024