Landing the knockout punch on reigning ISL champions Chennaiyin FC notwithstanding, Aizawl FC preferred to be the "underdogs" as they geared up to face another stiff challenge in East Bengal, in the first quarterfinal of the Hero Super Cup here tomorrow.
Two days before the big win over Chennaiyin FC though, the 2016-17 I-League winners lost to Bengaluru FC in the AFC Cup two days back.
"I believe top teams are under pressure now. They have to win the championship and they have their own plans to implement," Aizawl FC coach Santosh Kashyap said.
"Chennaiyin were the favourites against us. East Bengal will also start as favourites and we're happy to be the underdogs and stage upsets. They have to perform better and beat us. East Bengal could not win any silverware this season and expectations are huge from them."
"It's a good opportunity for us. Yes, the schedule is tight but it happens in football. We're here to give our best and win, that's it."
"Every game is like final here. We have come to play our natural game and win it. Yes, we conceded goals in I-League, but that is past. We don't look back into the past, rather we focus on the future."
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