Nothing Is Impossible For Indian players

SC East Bengal head coach Renedy Singh was proud of his players despite the team falling to a 0-1 defeat to Jamshedpur FC in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) on Tuesday.

Renedy fielded an all-Indian eleven which was a first for any team in the Hero ISL history. However, a late goal from Ishan Pandita meant the Red and Gold brigade had to return empty-handed from the match.

Renedy, who will hand over the reins to new head coach Marco Rivera from the next match, felt his players showed that Indian players can stand up to superior foreign counterparts.

The former India international addressed the media after the match.

Here are the excerpts from his press conference:

How frustrating is it to concede so late and that too from a set-piece?

It’s really sad to concede a goal in the 88th minute but I’m really proud of the boys for the way they fought, the work ethic and the commitment they showed. They should continue with this and if they keep doing this it will be better for the club and we will be in a better position.

Would a draw have been a fair result?

Yes it would have been. Last few games have been very tough against Bengaluru FC, against Mumbai City FC who are a good attacking side and today as well. They have some good attacking players and the way the Indian boys without any foreign players kept their defensive shape and also while attacking, I’m really proud of them.

You played an all Indian line-up and they did very well. You take that as a small victory?

We should believe in ourselves. I think everyone has seen the game and how the Indian players fought. It was sad for Adil (Khan) that he had to come off with an injury. We knew we were playing against better foreigners but we fought as a team. That’s what they should continue. We Indians need to believe in ourselves that we can do well. Today, we conceded a goal in the last minute but this is how we fought the whole game.

This was the third game under your coaching. The first two ended in draws and you lost this one. What did you learn from this match?

The first game we scored early but we conceded. In the second game against such an attacking side with the Indian boys and one foreigner, we fought so well. What I have learnt from the last three matches is that if Indian players fight as one unit, we can get results.