ISL 2020-21: We are getting closer to where we want to be – Robbie Fowler

SC East Bengal coach Robbie Fowler believes that his team will come up with a much better performance against Mumbai City FC on Tuesday (December 1) after their 0-2 defeat to ATK Mohun Bagan on ISL debut.

The former Liverpool player believes that the Red and Gold brigade has enough quality in their ranks to get better results. He also mentioned that it is important to focus on the positives from the last match rather than complaining about the loss.

“For us, to put in a performance like that against the team who were champions last year, it was not a bad performance. They made it difficult for us. It shows how important that first goal is in football. I think ATK [Mohun Bagan] are a team who, if they score first, they shut shop and stop you from playing – that’s what happened to us,” Fowler said on the eve of the match against Mumbai City.

“The plan is to go out and score in every game. We had plenty of shots. Some days it goes for you, some days it doesn’t. Let’s not get too carried away with the one game that we have not scored in. I think we are a team who creates [a lot of] chances and eventually, those chances will turn into goals,” he added.

The 45-year-old is fully aware of what Sergio Lobera and his men are capable of, but he is backing his team to come out with a good result. He is expecting his squad to find their identity sooner rather than later.

“Whenever you get beaten, you can’t wait for the next game to try and rectify that. I hope the result isn’t behind the players (on the players’ minds). What can happen now is you can turn that disappointment (of the derby defeat) into joy by producing a better result,” Fowler said.

“I think when we analyse Mumbai and we look at the manager (Sergio Lobera) and what he achieved last year, it was fantastic. He’s signed a lot of players from his old club (FC Goa) and they were champions of the league last season. It’s the same for every team – you have to show absolute respect for them. We will try and put in a performance that we can be proud of.”