SC East Bengal head coach Manuel Diaz is braced for stiff competition against Kerala Blasters FC in their Hero Indian Super League (ISL) match at the Tilak Maidan in Vasco, Goa on Sunday.

The Red and Gold brigade are winless this season so far, having lost three and shared the spoils in the remaining two matches, and find themselves at the bottom of the points table. Meanwhile, the Blasters are in the seventh spot, with five points from four matches that include one win, two draws and a loss.

Diaz addressed the media in the pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s game.

Here are the excerpts from the press conference:

How do you stop the number of goals SC East Bengal have been conceding?

We must improve our level in every practice session and improve the decision making in our game.

What are your views on Kerala Blasters FC?

Kerala Blasters FC are a compact team, they have warriors, it is difficult to beat them. They play good football during the 90 minutes and it will be a complicated match.

What is your realistic target for the remainder of the season?

We have played only five matches and the reality is that we have conceded many goals. In some matches, we have chances of winning. And our only aim is now to bag three points (from the upcoming game).

Are you happy with the physical condition of your players?

It’s not only about fitness. It’s the whole situation - physical, technical, tactical and we are not at a good level in each of those departments.

What is your message to the supporters who are not happy after a string of poor performances?

We understand the situation and the feelings, we are thirsty. We know that the club is in a difficult situation. But we want to keep improving our level.