'East Bengal Ready for Churchill Challenge', says head coach Habas; Anwar Ali calls for 'Compact Defence'

East Bengal will begin their Indian Super League campaign against Churchill Brothers on Sunday (October 18) at the Fatorda Stadium in Goa, and ahead of that, head coach Antonio Lopez Habas acknowledges the team is ready for the ISL season.

Habas feels the last ISL season was an anomaly and normalcy has returned this term. He is looking forward and believes he has the squad to perform in two competitions.

East Bengal ready for Churchill Challenge

"I trust my team, my team is prepared for this match. I have players for playing two competitions simultaneously. You have to compete. Last season was not normal. This season is normal, like the regular leagues in all the countries in the world," Habas said at the pre-match press conference.

The Red and Gold Brigade are starting their ISL campaign on the back of two defeats in two different competitions, and Habas believes the encounter against Churchill won't be easy either.

"It's very important that we get off to a good start. It's very important for us, the first match, the possibility to win the match. Respecting Churchill Brothers because we know what the performance of the club is. I know Churchill Brothers from my time in the I-League. We know that it will be a difficult match for us," he added.

"They have won many matches in Goa. But our idea is three points. They are a difficult team but we have to impose our level and objective," the coach continued.

Support for Zivulic

The Spaniard has also given his full support to defender Diego Zivulic. Despite a slow start from the Croatian defender, East Bengal head coach has full confidence in his player.

"Diego is a very good player. We talk every day with Diego, and he is adapting to Indian football. We have 100 per cent confidence in him."

Anwar Ali wants to omit Mistakes

East Bengal conceded three very soft goals against Al Shorta, and all of them were avoidable. Acknowledging that, defender Anwar Ali has called for compactness.

"We know we had a mistake in last game, but we have to try to be compact in the next game and do well," he said.