Acosta - Critiques don't matter to me

The Costa Rican defender has adapted well to the Indian conditions…

East Bengal remain strong favourites to clinch their first I-League title when they kick-start their 2018-19 league campaign.

The Red and Gold have roped in marquee signing in 2018 World Cupper Johnny Acosta to boost their backline but the Costa Rican defender is of the opinion that every player needs to up the ante for the Kolkata outfit to clinch the league title.

“It is not about one player. It is about the collective effort. If the team plays well East Bengal will win and not otherwise. It is never about a single player,” he told Goal.

The 35-year-old was on the score-sheet in the Kolkata derby earlier this season in the Calcutta Football League (CFL) but his performances in defence weren’t up to the mark. This led to him being criticized by several sections of East Bengal fans.

On being asked if he wishes to shut the critics up with strong performances in the I-League, Acosta said, “It doesn't matter to me what people say.”

East Bengal conducted their pre-season preparations in Malaysia and Acosta highlighted that the time abroad helped them improve in key areas.

“The pre-season has been great so far. We tried to make the best of it by trying to improve in some key areas and we are happy.”

Acosta hasn’t had much trouble in adapting to the Indian conditions. He also is impressed with the standard of Indian players he has seen so far.

“I have been adapting to the Indian conditions for the past few months. I had no problem with the food as I come from Costa Rica and we are used to spicy food. There have been some difficulties but I am pretty well adjusting to it.

“The players are good. The league is pretty interesting and I am sure that with time it will get even better,” he concluded.