East Bengal might have not lost to Bengaluru Football Club (BFC) in the previous games, but coach Eelco Schatorrie today said his team would not be taking the Bangalore outfit lightly as "they are the best side" in the I-League.
"Those were games played under a different coach with a different set of players. So to me, only tomorrow's match is important and not how East Bengal fared previously. We have to give our best in every match," he told reporters on the eve of the I-League match against BFC, to be played at Kanteerava Stadium here tomorrow.
Schatorrie also said that BFC are the best team in the league and East Bengal have to produce something extra-ordinary to win, because the rivals have two good central defenders.
"Bengaluru are a very good side. They have two good central defenders. They also depend on set pieces to score apart from being very fit. I think they are the best team in the league. They have done very well in the AFC Cup. We will have to produce something extra to win," he said.
BFC coach Ashley Westwood, meanwhile, said while they have lost only four matches, they will not take the forthcoming games for granted.
"Obviously, the boys are happy after making the pre-quarterfinals of the AFC Cup. But this is a different tournament. We have had a very good season and have lost only four matches. But I take nothing for granted and every game is important," Westwood said.
The BFC coach said he did not attach much importance to his team not beating East Bengal till now.
"Yeah, we have not beaten East Bengal but then every game is a fresh start so I don't attach much importance to that," he said.
Stating that there are no injury concerns in the team, the coach said: "We have no injury concerns and everyone is fit to be selected for the game."
Westwood said Mohun Bagan, who are ahead, have played two games less, and hence his team cannot afford to drop points and would like to win all the remaining games to stay in the hunt.
"Mohun Bagan are ahead and also have played two games less. So we cannot afford to drop points. We will try and win every game to remain in contention," Westwood said.
