SC East Bengal head coach Mario Rivera wants his players to take risks and go for the win as they take on Mumbai City FC in match 98 of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2021-22 at PJN Stadium in Margao, Goa on Tuesday.

SC East Bengal are at the bottom of the table with 10 points in 17 matches. They have only won one game this season.

SCEB lost 1-0 to Kerala Blasters FC in their last match. They had one shot on target in the match.

Ahead of SC East Bengal’s clash against Mumbai City FC, coach Rivera addressed the media during the official pre-match press conference.

Here are the excerpts from the press conference.

MCFC have struggled for consistency? Do you think you can stop them like you did in the first leg?

If we play for a draw, we can stop them, but we will try to win. If you want to win, you have to take some risks and it’s more difficult for a draw. I think SCEB always has to play for a win. We have to respect the history of the team. We will take risks and if we have a little luck we can do it.

How do you plan to rectify the errors in the last two matches?

After the match we analyse it and try to correct the mistakes and keep the good things.

How do you rate Hira Mondal in comparison to Akash Mishra and Roshan Singh? How close is he to earning the national team call-up?

I will not talk about other players from other teams. But I think Hira Mondal is a very good player. He has very good skills. I talk to him and if he keeps learning everyday, he will have the chance to be in the national team. But for now, he needs to work more and correct the mistakes.

Mumbai City FC will be under pressure coming into the game. Does that mean it will be easier for SC East Bengal to go out and play freely?

Easier, never! But for them, they need to win to be in the top four. The difference is that they have big players who can play under pressure. They have played under pressure many times. I don’t think it’s easier for us because they are fighting for the top four.