Mariner’s shifts focus to AFC Cup matches
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Mohun Bagan team during a practice session at Rabindra Sarobar stadium. File Pic[/caption]Kolkata: Following an impressive performance in the first five matches in the I League, the focus for Sanjay Sen and his team now shifts to AFC Cup matches. The Mariners will start their AFC Cup campaign against the Sri Lankan side from January 31 in Colombo. Coach Sanjay Sen and his players will start preparing for the AFC Cup tie against Colombo FC from Friday.
Bagan gaffer Sanjay Sen has no idea about Colombo FC.
“I have no idea about their (Colombo FC) team. We will sit down and analyse the strategy after watching their video,” said Sanjay Sen on returning to Kolkata.
The Kolkata giants lead the I League table with 13 points from 5 matches that include 4 consecutive wins and a draw against DSK Shivajians yesterday at Balewadi stadium. The Green and Maroon footballers returned to the city in the afternoon from Pune via Delhi.
Mohun Bagan players will face a stiff challenge over the next few days as they have to take part in both AFC Cup and I League matches. The Green and Maroon footballers can take heart out from Bengaluru FC’s exploits in the AFC Cup last season. The Blues became the first team from India to qualify for the final of AFC Cup, eventually losing out to Air Force Club of Iraq in the final.
The Kolkata giants failed to make it past the pre-quarter final stages after losing out to Tampines Rovers by a 2-1 margin.
Coach Sanjay Sen sat down with his players in Pune after the Shivajians match to sense what they felt about the forthcoming matches. The gaffer was pleased to see everyone eager to give off their best for the AFC Cup matches.
“I sat down with my players to assess what they felt about the AFC Cup matches. Everyone is eager to give off their best in AFC Cup. Last year we did play well but failed to make it to the quarter final stages. So our focus will be to do well in both AFC Cup and I League this season,” said Sanjay Sen.
Mohun Bagan coach expressed his disappointment of having to share points with DSK Shivajians yesterday. According to Sanjay Sen, “It was a bit disappointing to lose points. We did not play well in the first half. There were quite a few missed opportunities. But in a long league like this we will face ups and downs. Hopefully the boys will regroup themselves quickly before the next match.”
Bagan’s arch rivals East Bengal are just three points behind. The Red and Golds has so far earned 10 points from 4 matches. Another title contender Bengaluru FC is also following closely with 9 points. On being asked about the stiff competition so early in the league, the gaffer said, “It is good to see another team from the city doing well. But I am not concerned with what the other teams are doing. I am worried with my team.”
Bagan’s Brazilian defender Eduardo had to be taken off after suffering an injury in yesterday’s match. The footballer will be taken to a doctor to assess his injury.
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