ISL 2021-22: Our thinking is to win, says SC East Bengal Mario Rivera

SC East Bengal head coach Mario Rivera has stated that their thinking is to win their remaining four matches in the ongoing Hero Indian Super League. SC East Bengal is already knocked out of the semifinal race in the tournament as they have managed a solitary win out of the 16 matches they have played.

Thus, SC East Bengal has only 10 points under their belt and they are currently in 10th place in the standings. It has been a forgettable season for SC East Bengal as they have lost eight matches while they have drawn seven games.

In fact, SC East Bengal could spoil the party of the top six or seven teams who have a chance to make it to the last four. However, Mario Rivera added that they will be looking to win their remaining four matches.

Mario Rivera said in the pre-match press conference, “Really we are not thinking about that. We are thinking only to try to win the next match, but I’m sure that any of them are happy to play with SC East Bengal now because they know that we will be a very difficult team to win”.

Rivera revealed that Fran Sota is match-fit and we will see him being part of the final XI.

He added, “Yeah, Fran already is fit, is ready, and in the next matches we will see him”.

Rivera also heaped praise on their opposition Kerala Blasters for the Monday match. The Blasters are currently in the fifth position in the points table with six wins from 14 matches.

Rivera added, “Kerala is a very good team, they have a very good offensive part and they also have a good defense. They have some players that cannot play tomorrow but they have a long squad. The coach has adapted very well for the Indian Super League and they are giving a very good performance, a balanced team that plays good in attack, good in defense, is a really good team”.

Meanwhile, SC East Bengal former captain Lalrindika Ralte decided to hang his boots from the sport. Rivera showered praise on the player for his contribution to the club.

Rivera concluded, “Yesterday I saw the news. For me was a big pleasure to coach Ralte. He’s a nice person nice player, he always gives his best and he was a very good example for all of the Indian people. and I texted him yesterday wishing him all the best now that he is out of the football and I’m very happy to have met him in in the same team and I think he’s a good example for the young players for learning from him”.