I-League: RKFC to face Kolkata giants today 

Kolkata, Dec 27: A confident Real Kashmir FC head coach, David Robertson, has said that his team will have an upper hand in the game against East Bengal FC, which will be played at Salt Lake Stadium here on Friday.

In the pre-match press conference on Thursday, Robertson said the pressure will be on East Bengal FC, considering how well-placed RKFC are in the league.“The team has played well in the last five games and there is enthusiasm among the players to perform even better. Beating Chennai City FC was a fantastic achievement for the team,” he said.

The team, Robertson said, is highly motivated to show their A-game against the Kolkata giants.“We are almost safe in the league now. We have thrown surprises so far, which actually is a good start for the club. The successes of the club have brought Kashmir football on the map,” he said.

Asked about the level of competition ahead in the league, he said that both the games in Kolkata are tough for the team and throw a challenge before him.“East Bengal and Mohun Bagan are the oldest football clubs of India. Our team is lucky to be here to play against them. We are preparing ourselves for the competition and we believe we have the ability to beat any team,” he said.

On reports of reduced coverage of matches by broadcasters, Coach Robertson said it would disappoint the football fans in India.“It will deprive the fans of watching their favourite team play in away matches,” he said.

RKFC Captain, Loveday Enyinnaya, said his team has to be careful while playing against East Bengal FC.“East Bengal is a very good and strong team. Our players are preparing themselves and we are expecting to get three points in tomorrow’s match,” he said.

Head Coach, East Bengal, FC Alejandro Menendez, said the game against RKFC would be “tough” for his team.“But my players are confident. We are looking to win the game,” he said.

Asked to rate RKFC’s performance in the league so far, he said the I-League debutants have a “fantastic defense department”.
“They have proved this strength of theirs in all the matches,” Coach Menendez said.