EB have potential to bag all trophies, says Colaco

There’s still a day to go before Armando Colaco gets down to business. However, prior to his first practice session as East Bengal coach, he has already noted down the areas where East Bengal need to improve, while watching their CFL tie on Tuesday.

“In the first half, there was no co-ordination among the players. The team wasn’t moving together. But things gradually improved from the second half with players moving up and down as required.

“They shifted the ball from one place to another as you could then see a much better performance from almost everyone of them. Minor changes need to be made… Nothing much to worry about. I met the players during half-time and motivated them, appreciated Chidi for his first goal and also patted (Ryuji) Sueoka to boost his morale.

“This team has the potential to win all trophies,” Colaco said during his first media interaction as East Bengal coach, at the club tent.

According to him, Cavin Lobo, who’s been mighty impressive of late, could play the role that Penn Orji did for East Bengal over the last three seasons. Needless to mention, but Ryuji Sueoka, too, features in Colaco’s scheme of things. “Penn is Penn… You can’t make someone play like he does. But as I saw Cavin today, there has been a major improvement in his game. He could be used in the position from where Penn operated.

“I might as well bring in Sueoka for that position. Sueoka’s and all others’ position in the team will be flexible. Our formation could be 4-1-4-1 or even 4-3-1-2. It could be anything because mobility is very important,” he explained, adding: “With a striker like (James) Moga up front, I would like Mama (Shylo Malsawmtluanga), (Joaquim) Abranches and Lalrindika (Ralte) to come up with centres from the wings.”

Besides, Colaco views Subodh Kumar as an alternative to Mehtab Hussain. “If Mehtab is out, there’s Subodh and Cavin to move in and out. But the way Subodh has stepped up, I feel he has an excellent future,” he said.

For Colaco, motivation, confidence and man-management are the essential components that contribute in developing a strong, successful squad. “For sure, these aspects are of utmost importance. All that this team requires at the moment is confidence with a bit of motivation. And as far as man-management is concerned, I would like to bring mine to East Bengal. I would also request the club officials to co-operate with me on this matter,” he stressed.

Colaco also wants to organise a clinic for youth coaches. “I met the coaching staff today and am pretty happy with what’s there. I would like to hear what the youth coaches have in mind. So I would request officials to help me organise a day’s clinic for youth coaches at this club itself.”