Kolkata, February 26: East Bengal FC will play their third fixture of the Indian Super League 2025–26 campaign against Jamshedpur FC tomorrow at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, with kick-off scheduled for 5:00 PM. Aiming to secure their third consecutive win of the season, head coach Oscar Bruzon believes the contest will be a closely fought head-to-head clash.
The squad’s injury concerns are now largely under control. Except for Kevin Cibille, all other previously injured players have returned to training. Rakip featured in the previous match, while Mahesh Naorem, who has been training over the last few sessions, is now match-fit and could be included in the matchday squad. However, during the matchday-minus-one training session, captain Saul Crespo did not take part in training.
During the pre-match media interaction, Saul Crespo addressed the situation and stated that he is feeling well and will undergo a medical check-up on the morning of matchday, after which the situation will be assessed. This clarification put an end to the rumours circulating widely, which were completely incorrect. He was not late for training, and there is no truth to any reports suggesting a quarrel between him and head coach Oscar Bruzon.
Saul made his stance clear, saying
“In the last few days, I’ve been listening and watching on social media and newspapers a lot of fake news. As a captain, I want to stop this fake news. Some people are trying to divide our group and inside the dressing room. I don’t like this. I think we have a strong bond. We have a very strong group. We have a very good relationship between all of us, including the staff”.
The captain’s message reaffirmed the strong relationship between players and staff, emphasizing the squad’s clear focus on shared objectives, undistracted by external speculation.
Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s fixture, head coach Oscar emphasised East Bengal FC’s clear understanding of their playing pattern and the importance of maintaining continuity from recent performances while continuing to improve. He highlighted that the team is still in the process of regaining full strength, with some players yet to complete their recovery, but expressed confidence that the side can sustain a high level of performance. By doing so, he believes East Bengal will put themselves in a strong position to secure maximum points at home.
From an opposition perspective, the head coach acknowledged that Jamshedpur FC have already registered two wins, an achievement that is not easy at the early stage of the competition. He minds the importance of growing into the season gradually, approaching the league game by game, and gaining a deeper understanding of the strengths, weaknesses, and demands posed by each opponent.
Outlining East Bengal’s approach, the coach reiterated the need for focus on the immediate challenge rather than external discussions. He believes that by maintaining a game-by-game mindset and staying committed to their process, the team will continue to progress steadily and deliver the performances and results expected of them.
With focus and unity in the camp, East Bengal FC headed into the match confident and prepared. The team will look to stay true to their approach and build on their momentum as the season progresses.
COACHES VIEW:
Oscar expect a Competitive Clash as Two Winning Runs Meet
There are a challenge of two teams that will try to keep their winning streak at the beginning of the season. We know what we need to do. But I am sure that they also have the plan to try to neutralise our weak points. So I expect a good game. In between two teams. Probably with different styles. So let’s see which one prevails.
We are not absolutely thinking about the run of results, on the position of the table, on the goal difference. We are just focusing on the arrival and the game of tomorrow.
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