SC East Bengal has recently confirmed Arindam Bhattacharya as their captain before the start of the new season of the Indian Super League. With the new season all set to commence in Goa from 19th November, the 31-year-old goalkeeper has been shown a lot of trust by the East Bengal faithful by handing him the captain’s armband.
Having won the golden glove in the 2020 season, the veteran keeper switched allegiances from one side of Kolkata to another after mutually terminating his contract with ATK Mohun Bagan and joining SC East Bengal. He almost led his team to the top as he kept 10 clean sheets and made 59 saves during the course of the season.
The ace goalkeeper expects to lead from the front having already won the ISL and the I-league in his career. He also has experience of leadership after wearing the armband for ATKMB the last term with distinction. Tomislav Mrcela has also been entrusted with the role of the vice-captain of the team. The 6’4 feet tall centre back from Australia who signed on a free from Bengaluru FC will hope to fix East Bengal’s defensive vows.
SC East Bengal have revamped their system and coaching staff after a dismal season in 2019 which saw them finish 9th out of the 11 teams. Jose Manuel Diaz has been brought in to lead East Bengal to new glorious days.
Arindam and the coach speak out :
“It’s a huge honor for me and especially for my family because everyone back home is an East Bengal supporter. I am looking forward to living up to everyone’s expectations and performing to my fullest. Though I stand in goal during the games, I promise to lead from the front and make the fans from all over the world proud of this bunch,” – Arindam Bhattacharya
“I am happy to announce Arindam as captain of the team and Tomislav as vice-captain. They are both exceptional leaders on the pitch and also off it. Arindam has been there in Indian football for a long time and knows what it takes to lead a team like SC East Bengal. Tomi too has vast experience and he is a natural leader. All the players in the squad respect them and I believe they can get the best out of the team,” said head coach Jose Manuel Diaz.
East Bengal will look to start their new season on a high when they take on Jamshedpur FC in their opening encounter on November 21 at the Tilak Maidan Stadium. The foundation has been set with a new captain, vice-captain, and coach.
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