New Brazilian coach wants to see East Bengal champion

Kolkata, July 14 (UNI) East Bengal's newly appointed Brazilian head coach Carlos Roberto Da Pereira, on his arrival to the city today, stated that his intention was to make the red-gold the champion club of India.

The 60-year-old Brazilian comes with a rich experience in coaching, having been in charge of the Singapore national team between 1996 and 1998. Pereira holds a physical education degree from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro besides completing an intensive football course at Cologne University of Germany.

''I want to make East bengal the champion club," he said, informing he was on a year's contract with the club.

Beginning his career as coach in 1970 with the Brazil's Madumira Football Club, Pereira had coached Vasco da Gama and various other clubs in the middle-east, including leading outfits of Qatar and United Arab Emirates.

He said he would like to bring some changes in the squad, but would not go for any overhauling as it would spoil the rhythm of play.

Asked what was his favourite system of playing, he said," It was 4-4-2, but I would adapt to any system." While he has not much idea about Indian soccer, pereira is aware of the rich tradition and culture of the country that prompted him to come to India. '' I heard a lot about the country. Besides, I would like to coach in different parts of the world. Last few seasons it was middle-east, now it's India," he said.

While in Middle East, he had met a few players of Indian origin and that sums up his knowledge of Indian soccer.

Asked if he had seen the conditions, he said, '' I have arrived today. I will take a few days. But I am sure with the active cooperation of the support team, management, fans and of course the players, we all will succeed. '' The club also announced ex-India international Tarun Dey as manager (Technical), while Bikash Panji would continue as assistant coach.

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