In a remarkable twist at the Durand Cup Quarter Final on Wednesday, Shillong Lajong stunned the Indian football community by defeating the formidable East Bengal, a club with a rich history and a squad packed with top-tier players. The victory not only secured Lajong’s place in the semi-finals but also reignited the passion of football fans in Shillong. Amidst the celebrations, yours truly had the privilege to interview the man at the helm, head coach Jose Carlos Rodríguez Hevia, who has been instrumental in Lajong’s journey this season.
A Big Victory, but We Must Stay Focused
Coach Jose Hevia, a familiar face in Indian football, has been coaching various clubs across the country, including Mohammedan SC, Minerva, and Madhya Bharat United. Reflecting on the historic win against East Bengal in the Durand Cup Quarter Final, he remained grounded: “We couldn’t celebrate anything after the game because all of us were exhausted. If we have to celebrate something, it will be when we lift the trophy. This was a big victory, but it was only one match. We have to start thinking immediately about the next one,” he stated.
The coach emphasised that while defeating a team like East Bengal is significant, it is just one step toward the ultimate goal. “I’m a person who believes only real victories must be celebrated, and the real victory will be when we win the final,” he added.
Belief in the Boys
When asked if he believed his team could pull off such a remarkable win, especially against a side as strong as East Bengal, coach Hevia’s confidence in his players was unwavering. “The best example is that six players of Shillong Lajong were in the box of East Bengal. We knew that playing our game, our philosophy, we could beat East Bengal or any other team. We are not scared of anything,” he remarked with pride.
The victory wasn’t just a stroke of luck but the result of meticulous planning and a well-executed strategy. “We got a plan, we got a game idea, a game style, and an identity. From the first moment, we started developing this plan. What I told the players was to carry on with the same intensity we practiced every day, knowing that we couldn’t reduce intensity at any moment,” the coach explained.
The Power of Home Support
The atmosphere in the Shillong Stadium was electric during the match, with the local fans cheering at every opportunity. While coach Hevia acknowledged the positive impact of the home support, he credited the victory to his players’ performance on the field. “It’s amazing to play in a stadium like we did yesterday. The support was incredible. But at the end of the day, there are 11 players on the field against 11 players. What we did on the field was the real reason for our victory,” he said.
A Journey of Passion and Commitment
Coach Hevia’s connection to Shillong Lajong runs deep. After coaching the team a few years ago, he made a return this season, driven by a combination of factors. “First, the people and the environment here, not only inside the Shillong Lajong club but also in the city. The passion the people have for football is very important. And obviously, the professional project and the level of the squad made me come back. I think I didn’t make a bad decision,” he shared.
Eyes on the Prize
With the semi-final against North East United FC on the horizon, coach Hevia remains confident. “What I saw yesterday on the field makes me 100% convinced that we will fight at the same level in the next match. The level of our players can be at the same level as them,” he asserted.
The coach also highlighted the incredible performances of his players throughout the Durand Cup, singling out some of the standout contributors. “These wild red dogs, as I call them, are performing incredibly because they are hungry to grow and become the best players in India. When you have that base, that approach, it’s very easy to do everything,” he said, praising the determination and drive of his team.
The Road Ahead
As Shillong Lajong stands on the brink of making history, coach Hevia is clear about the team’s mindset. “Only heaven is the limit. We will fight for everything. We will fight every match to obtain the victory. That is our target. Get out every day to play the match and win the match,” he concluded.
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