EB coach feels the pressure

Calcutta: Khalid Jamil is already feeling the pressure of having to coach a high-profile team like East Bengal after just four days into his new job.

"There is pressure. No doubt about that, but this is all part of the game. I also need time to settle down.

"I am talking to the players, trying to understand them. Seniors and juniors must gel together as a unit," the I-League winning coach said on Thursday.

East Bengal begin their campaign this season on August 7 when they play their opening match in the Calcutta Football League. The club is planning to play a couple of practice matches before the season gets underway.

"We have plans to play a couple of practice matches. The boys have been trying hard and will need time to settle down. But I am confident that we will be ready before the first match in CFL," said Khalid.

Defending champions East Bengal have won the CFL title seven times in a row and Khalid is stressing on a good start to improve that record. "The main aim will be to start well. That is the target.

"We are practising hard and hoping that the players will get used to the conditions soon," the coach said.

There has been talk about East Bengal's failure to win the I-League despite their success in the CFL, but Khalid is not thinking about that now. "My priority now is a good start."

Fitness issues have dogged the players in the last few seasons and East Bengal are hoping to improve on that aspect this time around with physio Djair Miranda Garcia joining their ranks.

"Garcia has been working hard with the players and hopefully the results will show by the end of the season," said Khalid.

The club is yet to finalise the venue for a residential camp and a decision is expected by early next week.

Mohun Bagan, meanwhile, defeated Coal India 5-0 in their first practice match of the season on Thursday. Ansumana Kromah and Sourav Das scored a brace, with Narohari Sreshtha netting one.