East Bengal head coach Antonio Lopez Habas has called for maximum responsibility and intensity from his players as the Kolkata giants prepare to face Al Hussein in their AFC Champions League 2 away fixture in Jordan.

With East Bengal dealing with fitness concerns among several players, Habas insists that his focus remains on preparing the available squad rather than dwelling on the challenges.

Habas: Responsibility Is the Key

Habas acknowledges the importance of the Al Hussein clash but stressed that his approach remains unchanged.

“It’s a different match for us, but it’s the same as other matches. I have to prepare the team. The idea is my team is 100% and I have to think about the opponent, because the opponent also has very good players,” Habas said.

He identified responsibility as the key requirement from his players and coaching staff.

“One magic word is responsibility. We have responsibility. One professional player has responsibility. One professional coach has responsibility. We have to move in this parameter,” he added.

Travel a Major Challenge

Habas also highlighted the demanding travel involved in East Bengal’s continental campaign.

“All matches will be very difficult for us because they’re away matches. We have to organise the travel very well because we have a 13-hour travel. It’s a big travel. In Champions League, Real Madrid’s flight to Moscow is just four hours, but here, its a long journey.”

Rashid, Vishnu and Ikonomidis Fitness Updates

Habas provided updates on several key players ahead of the trip.

Md Bashim Rashid has a minor fitness issue but could still travel with the squad. “He has a minor problem,” Habas said, adding that Rashid has the possibility to travel and play. However, Rashid did not feature during the training session.

PV Vishnu, meanwhile, will travel with the team to Jordan, although he is not yet fully fit. “He’s travelling with the team. Not 100 percent, but he’s travelling with the team,” Habas said. Vishnu was seen doing some stretching before joining the rest of the squad in training.

Chris Ikonomidis has made significant progress after arriving without adequate preparation. “He’s increased his level 50 percent more. In the first time, the first matches, no preparation, three months, no training,” Habas said. Ikonomidis was also seen taking part in training and is now in contention to feature.

Habas Backs David

Despite questions over East Bengal’s striking options, Habas strongly backed David Lalhlansanga.

“For me, David is a fantastic player. For me, the best. David is the best striker in the world, as he is in my team,” he said.

Habas also embraced the pressure of leading East Bengal, insisting that results should be built “step by step” rather than judged solely on the final score.

I want to win

Although East Bengal take on a tough team in Al Hussein, Habas is quite upbeat about going for all three points. A serial winner in India, Habas will have nothing but three points in his mind when the team takes the field in Jordan.

“I never play for a draw. I play to win. I don’t know how the match will develop, but we want to win. For me, there is no small or big opponent in football. If they are better than us, congratulations to them, but I want to win, that is our philosophy.”