East Bengal find themselves battling more than just their opponents as they prepare for the second leg of their AFC Challenge League quarter-final against FK Arkadag in Turkmenistan.
Trailing 1-0 from the first leg at the Salt Lake Stadium, the Red and Gold Brigade need a two-goal victory to secure a semi-final spot. However, their time in Arkadag has been marred by multiple challenges, making their task even more difficult as per reports by Anandabazar Patrika and Aaj Tak Bangla.
Restricted Movement and Communication Issues
The team arrived in Arkadag after a long journey on Sunday, 9th Match, hoping to settle in and prepare for the crucial match. However, they were soon informed that they were not allowed to step outside their hotel without prior approval. This restriction came as a surprise, as the club had not been informed about it beforehand.
Communication with the outside world has also been a major struggle. The team was cut off from the internet for hours after arrival, and even after connectivity was restored, social media platforms remained blocked. Players and staff have found it difficult to contact their families, with only limited WhatsApp access available. The local authorities provided only four SIM cards for the entire squad, further complicating matters.
Poor Accommodation and Food Arrangements
The team’s struggles extended to basic necessities like food and hygiene. Despite providing a detailed meal plan in advance, East Bengal found that their dietary requirements were not met. Breakfast was unplanned, forcing many players to skip their meals. Lunch was basic, consisting of coarse rice, watery dal, and a single piece of fried fish-while pre-arranged requests for chicken or eggs were ignored.
Hygiene conditions at the hotel were equally concerning. The water supply was questionable, with players witnessing dirty water being taken from buckets for cooking. When they turned on their taps, muddy water flowed out initially.
Training and Stadium Concerns
The Kolkata Giants’ training schedule has also been heavily controlled. The team is only allowed to train when a designated bus arrives, restricting their preparation. Even when they were finally allowed to travel to the stadium, the bus arrived nearly an hour late at 4:50 PM.
Upon reaching the venue, the players were greeted with a poorly maintained pitch. The field was uneven, with inconsistent grass growth, posing a serious injury risk. To make matters worse, photography restrictions were imposed outside the stadium, further limiting the team’s ability to document their experience.
Heavy Surveillance and Intimidation Tactics
EBFC officials have also noticed increased surveillance around them. When their team bus traveled to the stadium, an unknown car followed them the entire way. Yet, Arkadag’s management denied any knowledge of this.
Adding to their unease, the team’s passports were taken upon arrival at the hotel and were not returned for several hours. Players were not even provided with basic toiletries like toothpaste and toothbrushes in their rooms.
A Mountain to Climb on the Pitch
Despite these challenges, coach Oscar Bruzón remains hopeful of overturning the deficit. He had previously stated after the first-leg loss that East Bengal needed to be more clinical inside the penalty box. While Arkadag capitalized on the few chances they created, East Bengal struggled to convert their opportunities.
The Spanish tactician had anticipated a tough second leg, which is why he rested key players in their last ISL fixture against NorthEast United. Even Brazilian star Cleiton Silva was the only foreign player who featured in that game.
East Bengal now face an uphill battle-not just against FK Arkadag, but also against the restrictive conditions they have encountered. With their semi-final hopes hanging in the balance, the Red and Gold Brigade will have to put aside these distractions and focus on delivering a spirited performance on March 12.