Bagan coach upbeat ahead of the derby on Sunday
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Mohun Bagan coach Sanjoy Sen with Sony Norde at Siliguri's Kanchenjunga Stadium before the derby on Saturday. Image Source: XtraTime[/caption]Sabyasachi Bagchi, Siliguri: The mind games have already started 24 hours before the return leg of the mouth watering Kolkata derby in I League to be played at Siliguri on April 09. Mohun Bagan coach Sanjoy Sen has clearly stated that the result of the derby will have much bigger impact on East Bengal, rather than his team.
“I would like to make it clear once again that the result of the derby will not be a factor for us. It might well turn out to be the decider for East Bengal,” said Sanjoy Sen to the reporters at the Kanchenjunga stadium.
The Mariners find themselves in a slightly better position than their arch rivals, having played a match less. The Green and Maroon are on 26 points from 13 matches compared to East Bengal’s 27 points from 14 matches. A positive result in the derby will pave the way for both the Kolkata giants towards championship.
The Bagan coach also mocked his counterpart with regard to his team’s closed door session. On being asked to comment on whether he advocates such an idea, Sanjoy Sen, “I am not a firm believer of closed door practice. I am comfortable with keeping the practice sessions open for all.”
It fact Mohun Bagan practiced closed doors ahead of the first leg derby in Siliguri.
East Bengal coach Trevor Morgan on Friday commented that his side will not be intimidated with the presence of Sony Norde. The Haiti marksman has been in tremendous form in recent times which might leave the Red and Gold camp worried. In the last encounter played between the two sides during the first leg of I League, Rahul Bheke played his role to perfection. The East Bengal right back gave Norde no room to dominate from the wings.
Reacting to Morgan’s comment, Sanjoy Sen said, “I do not want to get it into all this. Every coach wants to stop Sony from playing his natural game. DSK Shivajians were also successful. Every coach wants to stop the opponent’s main player. I also have a strategy to stop the opponent’s main players which I do not want to disclose.”
The gaffer though did not felt the need to comment on a query that the Haitian marksman is yet to be successful in a derby.
Speaking about the venue, Sanjay Sen said, “It’s like home away from home. We are used to playing in Siliguri and have a fair idea about the conditions. Although our supporters will be outnumbered by East Bengal fans, it won’t affect us. What is concerning me is we have to play much better than the last derby in order to win.”
On being asked whether Mohun Bagan will be under pressure or not, Sanjoy Sen said, “I do not know whether we are under pressure or not. Media can speculate whatever they can feel.”
Mohun Bagan has played a match less than East Bengal so far in the I League. Whether that will be an advantage to his side, the gaffer commented, “Definitely, it is an advantage for us. But the important thing for us will be to cash in on the advantage.
The Bagan coach also made it clear that skies won’t break down on him if the match ends in a draw.
“I will stick with my coaching principle and that is in a marathon league where you still have five more matches, it is better off to first ensure you do not lose the match rather than going all out for a win. People speak about numbers i.e., on reaching a certain point a team will be ensured about being crowned the champions. I want to step forward carefully,” signed off the former I League winning coach.
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