East Bengal find themselves in the continental fray with both men’s and women’s team fighting in the AFC competitions. Along with that, the victorious previous campaign of both teams have further enhanced the level of expectations among the faithful.

As the season continues, East Bengal official Debabrata Sarkar, popularly known as Nitu Da, has expressed optimism about the club’s prospects in the ongoing season, backing the men’s team to build on its encouraging start while highlighting scheduling concerns surrounding Indian football.

Speaking about East Bengal’s men’s and women’s teams in an exclusive interaction with MyKhel, Sarkar stressed the importance of player fitness, recovery time and the right mentality in delivering consistent performances. He also raised concerns over the scheduling of women’s football competitions, questioned the practicality of arranging multiple matches on the same day and highlighted the challenges clubs face when players are called up for national team duties. Sarkar also addressed the visa problem of Nsungusi Effiong amid his ongoing issues.

East Bengal men’s team: Nitu Da backs ISL title defence

East Bengal have made an encouraging start to their Indian Super League (ISL) campaign, scoring nine goals across their opening two matches, according to the figures cited during the interview. Sarkar, however, believes that sustaining the momentum will be the bigger challenge as the defending champions look to retain their crown.

“The ISL has started, but everything needs to be maintained, and we have to keep maintaining it.”

He emphasised that the team’s mindset and the head coach Antonio Lopez Habas’ approach would play a significant role in determining whether East Bengal can maintain their early-season standards.

“I hope that among all the foreign coaches who have come to this country, he is one of the very best. He knows how to achieve success and retain trophies. Keeping the right temperament is key,” he added.

Sarkar also underlined the importance of physical conditioning and mental strength, suggesting that a promising start alone would not be enough to secure another successful campaign.

“Physical fitness and temperament-these must be given high importance for the team. Let’s see, we are very hopeful,” he said.

Fixture congestion and fatigue a concern

While discussing the team’s recent performances, Sarkar pointed to the physical demands placed on players by congested schedules and limited recovery time. Reflecting on East Bengal’s latest match, he felt that fatigue had affected the team’s performance, even though the players had not performed particularly poorly.

“Even in this last match, we didn’t play badly, but we didn’t play that well either. The team was a bit tired. When you play a 90-minute match, at least 48 hours of rest is very much needed. We don’t maintain this, whether at home or abroad,” he said.

He illustrated his concerns by referring to the team’s schedule: “This team played on the 23rd, travelled on the night of the 24th, and went on to play on the 27th. Just by watching the game, it seemed to me that the team was tired.”

Acknowledging that results depend on several factors, including effort and luck, Sarkar expressed confidence in the squad assembled at East Bengal.

“Regardless, putting it all together, a team has been formed with everyone from the youth to the senior players, and we hope it will yield better results in the future,” he said.

East Bengal women’s team: Pride in AFC Women’s Champions League campaign

Sarkar also expressed considerable pride in East Bengal’s women’s team, particularly after its consecutive Indian Women’s League (IWL) titles and participation in the AFC Women’s Champions League.

“I definitely feel very proud. I feel proud for our club and for the country that we are doing this; essentially, we are representing the nation,” he said.

He also made a bold prediction about the future of Indian women’s football, expressing his belief that the women’s national team could reach the FIFA Women’s World Cup before the men’s team.

“I feel that the women’s team will knock on the door of the World Cup before the men’s team does.”

Nitu Da questions AFC and IWL scheduling

The veteran administrator raised concerns over reports of two AFC Women’s Champions League matches being scheduled on the same day, arguing that such arrangements could disadvantage the team playing the later fixture.

“I am hearing that the AFC has scheduled two matches on the same day. Wherever it is in the world, that is not right. It is very difficult for the team playing the second match,” he said.

He also questioned the reported schedule for the Indian Women’s League, which he understood would be played in Kalyani with a match taking place every day.

“I am also hearing that the IWL will be played in Kalyani and there is a match every single day. Why an everyday match? Why?” he asked.

Sarkar pointed out that pitches require time and maintenance, warning that a lack of adequate recovery for playing surfaces could affect the quality of football.

East Bengal and other clubs face challenges over national team call-ups

Sarkar acknowledged that national team selections can disrupt clubs’ preparation, particularly when players are called up for tournaments before the start of an international window. Asked about the difficulties this creates for East Bengal and other clubs, he admitted that the situation can complicate planning and preparations.

“No, no, it definitely becomes difficult. It is difficult, but there is nothing we can do; they have to play for the country. The country comes first before anything else.”

Nsungusi Effiong Enigma

The East Bengal official revealed Effiong made a mistake while applying for his visa, and that has been the cause of his ongoing absence. Although the club continues to find a solution, it remains a bleak possibility for the Nigerian to arrive in Kolkata.