ISL 2022-23: We are confident heading into the derby – East Bengal’s Sarthak Golui ahead of the Kolkata derby against ATK Mohun Bagan

East Bengal FC’s Sarthak Golui has revealed that the team is optimistic before the big derby clash against ATK Mohun Bagan, which will be played on Saturday at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata.

East Bengal is yet to beat ATK Mohun Bagan in the ISL in the last two seasons and they will be looking to turn the tables against the arch-rivals.

East Bengal has won a solitary match out of the three they have played while they have lost the remaining two. On the other hand, the Mariners have won one and lost one game so far in the ninth edition of the Hero ISL.

East Bengal FC defeated NorthEast United FC by 3-1 in their last game and full-back Sarthak Golui believes this win was a shot in the arm for the team.

Sathak Golui said while talking to the club’s media team, “The win against NorthEast is a huge confidence booster ahead of the derby. We are feeling very positive. Hopefully, we can put up a spirited show on Saturday.

“Both East Bengal and ATKMB have won their previous matches. Everyone knows how important this match is in the Indian football milieu. Whoever plays well that day will emerge a winner.”

Meanwhile, the defender did a fine job in the previous match against the Highlanders as he made nine clearances, blocked two shots, made one interception, and registered three tackles.

Sarthak said, “I’ve done my job. The gaffer entrusted me with a task and I tried my best to execute it against NorthEast United. I’m glad that we won our last match and grabbed three points. We are confident heading into the derby.”

In fact, as the last two seasons of the ISL have been played behind closed doors due to Covid-19, this will be the first time when these two Kolkata giants will face each in the derby in front of the crowd.

“It has been heartening to see our fans throng the stadium after two years. We’ll play our first Hero ISL derby in Kolkata on Saturday. Although we couldn’t achieve the expected results in our first two ISL matches, we staged a turnaround against NorthEast United.

“The boys are upbeat before the match. I would request all our fans to keep supporting us. We hope to win in front of our Red and Gold supporters on Saturday!”