Kingsley becomes the first foreigner to sign for Mohun Bagan this season
Kolkata: There were a lot of speculations after the recently concluded football season about the future of Sanjoy Sen, as his contract with Mohun Bagan finished on 31st May. He had offers from different top teams including East Bengal as well. But, in an interaction with www.xtratime.in correspondent Gopal Roy, the gaffer revealed all his plans for the next season. Here goes the conversation:
XT: Will you be the Mohun Bagan coach again for the next season?
Sanjoy: Yes, I will be. They have verbally approached me and I have also confirmed my decision verbally. But I’m yet to sign my contract. I may speak with the officials within a few days. I’m going for a vacation. If I cannot sign the contract in a week’s time, I will do it when I will return.
XT: Where are you going for a vacation?
Sanjoy: I will be going to Malaysia and Singapore. My son’s exams were going on so couldn’t have gone before. It will be good to spend some quality time with the family. A break is needed.
XT: The I-League and ISL will be happening simultaneously this season. You always believe in having set teams. Will this be a serious problem for you this season?
Sanjoy Sen: If I get a set team, it’s always good, but these are the challenges every coach has to face in professional coaching. It will be a different challenge next season.
XT: Have you given any players’ list to the club?
Sanjoy Sen: Yes I have given a list of around 22 players to the club who I believe can be retained. Now we have to check whom we can eventually retain. If I don’t get the players I want, we have to go for alternative options.
XT: Your arch rival club has hijacked Djair Miranda Garcia from your team. Your team’s fitness levels were largely dependent on him. You had a great rapport with him as well. Will this be a serious blow for your side?
Sanjoy: I didn’t bring Garcia to Mohun Bagan. The club brought him. Remember, this club had Barreto as well in the past, he too had to leave. Yes, if someone stays with the side, it’s good for the team as well. But you can’t help if someone decides to leave.
XT: East Bengal had an offer for you a few days back. But they didn’t continue the negotiations. Any regret?
Sanjoy: No, I don’t have any regrets. I love to work where I feel comfortable. Apart from that, East Bengal appointed Khalid Jamil as their Head Coach. He is a champion coach, a great professional.
XT: East Bengal is desperate to build a solid squad to win the I-League this season. What’s your planning?
Sanjoy: They build strong squads every season to become the champions. But you can only have one champion. But it’s good to follow a definite plan. All the best to them. We have our own plans.
XT: Have you kept Sony Norde’s name in your list?
Sanjoy: Of course, I have requested to retain Sony. He played extremely well last season. But I won’t disclose the other names.
XT: Do you have any plan to sign new foreigners?
Sanjoy: Yes, we have already signed Kingsley from Aizawl FC. He signed for Mohun Bagan before going back to his country. He played outstanding football in the previous season and a great strength to have in the defence. Apart from that I asked to sign Ranti Martins as well. He is a prolific goalscorer and knows the Indian conditions very well. Yes, he will be a bit slow as age is a matter. But he is playing in The USA and fitness shouldn’t be an issue.
XT: Do you think, having five foreigners in the playing XI will be an advantage in the I-League?
Sanjoy: I don’t want to make any official comment on this. Let the AIFF declare that officially, then we can comment on this.
XT: Will you be signing the contract with Mohun Bagan only for the I-League?
Sanjoy: Yes, apparently there is a possibility. But discussions are going on.
XT: Would you want Shankarlal Chakraborty as your assistant in the next season as well?
Sanjoy: Yes, of course. I love to work in a settled set up.