ISL 2021-22: These are tough times for us but we’ll overcome everything: SC East Bengal head coach Mario Rivera

SC East Bengal head coach Mario Rivera has opined that these are tough times for his team but they will overcome everything in the ongoing Hero Indian Super League 2021-22. SC East Bengal have got off to a horrid start in the eighth season of the tournament as they are yet to register their maiden win of the edition.

SC East Bengal has played 11 matches thus far in the ongoing season and they have lost five of them while six of their games have ended in a draw. Thus, they are placed at the bottom of the points table with only six points in their bag.

Thus, SC East Bengal will need to turn the tables in the upcoming matches if they have to stay in contention for the semifinal stages.

Meanwhile, Rivera will take over the coaching baton from interim head coach Renedy Singh and he will look to end the team’s winless streak in his first match in charge against FC Goa on Wednesday.

“This has been a very tough time for us. We are most of the time in quarantine and are only training in our rooms. We cannot do many things, but we are ready to fight for our club, to defend it on the field and try to give our best and get the first win for all of you (fans),” Rivera told SC East Bengal media team. “We have received all of your messages and we want to win the first match for you as soon as possible,” he added.

On the other hand, SC East Bengal players haven’t been able to train on the pitch due to Covid-19. Rivera added that the players want to practice and they will try to overcome everything.

“I am very happy to reach the field but it’s sad that the players didn’t play for many days. They have to again get to the pace of playing and it’s difficult because they want to but cannot. But we will overcome everything,” he said.

SC East Bengal will hope to turn the tide in the second phase of the tournament. The young Indian players have shown good promise and they will look to come up with a collective effort.