Mohun Bagan players in a practice session at the club tent on Friday. Image Source: XtraTime[/caption]Kolkata: Defending champions Bengaluru FC will lock horns with last year’s runners Mohun Bagan in a crucial I League encounter at the Rabindra Sarovar Stadium here on Saturday. It will be the third occasion that the two teams will go head to head in recent time.
The Blues inflicted a 2-1 defeat on the Mariners in their Group E AFC Cup tie on March 14 after which the sides did not play due to a break in the season. Before the break, the sides played out a goalless draw at the Kanteerava Stadium on March 11.
Both the teams will look to settle scores as they meet each other after the welcome break.
On being asked to comment about the importance of the clash, Bengaluru FC’s Spanish coach said.
“Our motivation is to play against Mohun Bagan. It's a team that everybody respects and this is a big motivation. We know we are out of the title contention but we will try to win that game for sure."
Bagan coach Sanjoy Sen is determined to turn the tables against the reigning champions.
“We will play our full squad and try to get full points. No doubt it will be a tough match for us. We all know Bengaluru FC is a good side. It will be a test of character for my players to come out with flying colours.” said Sanjoy Sen on the eve of the match.
On being asked about the recent results between the two sides, the gaffer said, “I am not concerned with what happened in AFC Cup match. Any team can lose on a given day. It’s all part of the game. There will be obstacles in a marathon league. We all know how important the Bengaluru match is going to be for us.
The Bagan defence will be tested against the likes of Sunil Chettri and Daniel Lalhlimpuia. Commenting about his defence, Sanjoy Sen said, “I have discussed with them. There are a lot of instructions given to my footballers; it is up to them to go out and implement it. I have my strategy set for all their players – Cameron Watson, John Johnson, CK Vineeth, Udanta Singh. We have a fair idea about their style of play, having played against them recently. We have to play according to our plan and try and snatch full points.”
Bengaluru, in their three years since inception, have won two I-League titles and one Federation Cup. But the Blues have failed to replicate their success this term under Roca. Asked about their dip in form, Roca took the blame on himself.
"Football is like this. It cannot be that every team is winning all time; it will be very boring then. We did not play so bad, but we were not lucky in terms of goal. We have the best average. In terms of shots on target and have managed to keep more ball posession. But even then we have not got results. It's a philosophy. Where I come from, Spain is to keep the ball in control. It's my mistake. But when we try to change things, it's not so easy."
On the team news, Sony Norde arrived from Haiti in the wee hours on Thursday. The Haiti international gave enough proof of his commitment, as he joined the team’s practice session. Norde took part in only the warm up session though. The Indian players also joined the practice session today.
“Sony is fine. He is tired after a long flight. The good thing for him is he is in match condition. He will be in my 18 member squad,” commented Sanjoy Sen about Norde.
Recently East Bengal coach Trevor Morgan wished Mohun Bagan lose point against Bengaluru FC.
To which the Bagan gaffer replied (with a taunt) “May God bless him.”
It is a three way title race with Mohun Bagan (23 points from 12 matches) in a must win situation. Arch rivals East Bengal (27 points from 14 games) and table toppers Aizawl FC (30 points from 14 ties) also in contention for the title.
Albert Roca’s side is out of the battle languishing in fifth having just 18 points in their kitty from 13 outings.
Mohun Bagan (Likely team): Debjit, Pritam, Anas, Eduardo, Raju Gaekwad, Sony/Pintu Mahato, Sehnaz, Souvik Chakraborty, Katsumi Yuasa, Balwant Singh/Azharuddin Mullick and Duffy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zmmx9nzxK14&feature=youtu.be
0 comments:
Post a Comment