AFC Cup: Class of 2013 better than 2004: Interview with East Bengal’s Alvito D’Cunha

East Bengal legend Alvito D’Cunha (sitting in between)

East Bengal have been drawn against Indonesian champions Semen Padang in the quarter-finals of this year’s AFC Cup and the current setup at the Kolkata club will be aiming to go one better than Subhash Bhowmick’s squad nine years ago when they lost to Syria’s Al Jaish 3-0 over two legs.

Alvito D’Cunha is the only connection between East Bengal’s current squad and the class of 2004. Back then, Alvito was one of East Bengal’s best players and the Goan was the standout performer in first leg against Al Jaish, which ended goalless in Kolkata.

Although a bit-part player nowadays, the 34-year-old remains an important figure in the dressing room as many youngsters look up to him and the former India international believes the batch of 2013 is better than the 2004 squad.

“I think the team now is better mainly because you know the standard of Indian football is higher at present compared to 2004. Now the top teams of the I-League have the potential and resources to beat clubs from different Asian countries,” Alvito told Sportskeeda in an exclusive chat.

Looking back to the 2004 campaign, Alvito stated that reaching the quarter-finals was one of the best moments of his career. But with several key players, like the late Cristiano Junior, leaving the team by the time they faced Jaish, Alvito recalled that their task became even tougher.

“We had a great team and it was an honour reaching the last eight of such an important Asian competition. Maybe we could have done better if we had retained many of the players who had helped us reach the quarters. Jaish were a top side so it was even more difficult for us without top players like him (Cristiano Junior),” he stated.

The left-footed attacking midfielder is backing the current squad to reach the final but believes it would depend on how the new signings adapt to the team under new coach Marcos Falopa.

Alvito has backed current squad to reach final

“Looking at some of the teams that are still there in the competition I think our squad is capable of reaching the final also. But first we have to perform well over two legs against Semen Padang because it will be a tough tie.

“Hopefully the new signings like (Ryuji) Sueoka, (James) Moga, (Joaquim) Abranches will get used to our team quickly and the whole squad also has to adapt well under the new coach and get the best possible preparation,” Alvito opined.

Alvito confirmed that he will be playing his 12th season for East Bengal and thus remains hopeful of playing some part against Semen Padang.

“Yes I will be an East Bengal player next season. I am aware that I am not the same player that I used to be a few years ago and probably my retirement is also not far away but for now I am looking forward to train hard in the coming season and hope to help my team in whatever way possible in the quarter-finals,” he said.

Being the pioneer

Alvito will always be rated among the all-time best left -footed players of the country but the former Salgaocar man will also be a legend in East Bengal’s history. He stood by the club through thick and thin and also remains the only Goan in the NFL/I-League era to have a successful career in Kolkata.

Several Goan players have moved to Kolkata this time and Alvito has welcomed that change.

“I would actually like to thank myself! See I have shown that it is possible for Goans to be successful in the high pressure environment of Kolkata also. Previously players from Goa would remain skeptical about moving to Kolkata but it’s good to see that changing now. I think my success has shown them that no matter where you play the most important aspect is your performance,” he concluded.