Kolkata: East Bengal on Thursday welcomed Eelco Schattorie as their new head coach, who seemed determined to set the house in order of the struggling Red and Gold brigade.
"I will not answer any questions regarding the coach (Armando Colaco) before me. I am sympathetic about him because I was in a similar position in my career. Football is a jungle," said the Dutchman after taking over the charge of the team from Colaco.
East Bengal had set a precedent uncalled for by bringing in the 43-year-old former United SC coach ahead of their against Mohun Bagan in the I-League derby on Tuesday.
"At this stage where East Bengal is now, its for me also a survival job," he said as East Bengal have slipped to fourth place in the I-League table after one loss and a draw.
East Bengal will kick off their AFC Cup campaign against Johor Darul Ta'Zim in Johor Baru on February 24.
Seeking time to rebuild the team, he said: "The Taj Mahal was not built in a day so it will take time. I am ready to take the pressure on me, that is not a problem."
"My plan is to become make a team like East Bengal champions. But if you want to be champions you always have to do things a little bit more than the opponent. If you need to wake up at 5am you have to."
Schattorie will reunite with ace Nigerian forward Ranty Martins who was with United SC during his stint.
"I had a good record against East Bengal, hope that will help me out here. I am now wearing the East Bengal scarf and I have embraced EB as my family. My heart and blood will be red and yellow (gold) for the moment."
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