Calcutta: East Bengal coach Trevor James Morgan believes this I-league is going to be a challenging one for all the teams.
"It's not going to be easy as all the teams are looking forward to a better show this time around. Some of our opponents are known, while some are unknown. It's going to be a very tough I-League," Morgan said as East Bengal began their preparations for I-League on Monday.
Asked which of the teams would be hard to beat, Morgan replied: "Bengaluru FC and Mohun Bagan are going to be tough. Other teams are also very well balanced, so we need to do our best."
Morgan remains focused on his goal to help East Bengal emerge the best team in the country. "We have a long season ahead of us. We have to play 18 matches and my aim is to make Ease Bengal the most successful team of India," he added.
Among the 15 players at the first practice session was Haitian striker Wedson Anselme who joined the club this season from Bangladesh outfit Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi.
Asked about the prospects of the new recruit, Morgan said: "It's a totally different atmosphere for him. So, we must give him some time to adjust."
In harmony with his relaxed approach, Morgan has decided to give a week's break to those players who have just returned from their ISL engagements. The East Bengal coach has asked them to join practice by December 28.
East Bengal as of now have signed two foreigners and are looking to rope in two more. Asked when the other foreigners would be available, Morgan said: "We are trying to get them as soon as possible and officials are looking at the matter."
The injured Arnab Mondal also met Morgan and discussed in detail the nature of his injury. Mondal is scheduled to meet East Bengal's new physical trainer Simon Maltby on Tuesday.
"It seems I will miss the first two matches of the I-League. I will try to be match fit as early as possible, though," the stopperback said.
Mondal missed the two semi-finals and final of the ISL III due to a knee injury.
Warren Hackett, the new assistant coach of East Bengal, will be coming on Sunday. "Hackett is coming on Sunday and he will join the practice the day after," Morgan said.
The I-League is scheduled to start from January 7.