Siliguri: Known to be a thorough gentleman, Mohun Bagan coach Sanjoy Sen once again proved how keen he is on winning the I League for a second time in three years. The Bagan gaffer had a sleepless night yesterday after the derby. History suggests that the Kolkata giants (whoever wins) invariably have an unexpected result in the match that follows the derby. In this case Bagan coach’s main challenge will be to keep away the evils of complacency which might creep into the camp.
“It has been noticed earlier that results often do not go as per expectation immediately in the match following the derby. We have to be cautious about it and cannot afford to be complacent. Last season we lost valuable points (and with it the I League) against Lajong after leading 2-1 with 30 seconds to go for the final whistle. I made a tactical change by replacing Cornell Glenn in the dying minutes of the match, but conceded a goal within seconds. The crucial 2 points we lost against Lajong turned out to be vital for us as we had to be satisfied with the Runners trophy. We have to be consistent.”
He added, “We will be targeting 3 points against Lajong. It is going to be a very important match for us. If we manage to get past Lajong, it will only add pressure on Aizawl before their next match against Churchill Brothers.
Sanjoy’s biggest challenge will be keep the players motivated for the next two matches.
“I am talking with my players, constantly reminding them about the importance of the Lajong match. The players do not to practice on the ground but at the same time as coach I have to ensure that no complacency creeps in my side. The players need to concentrate more until the target is fulfilled,” said Sen to the reporters in Siliguri
It seems the Bagan coach is feeling the pressure as well as he himself admitted of spending a sleepless night after the derby win yesterday.
“I cannot sleep last night. I just came down to have a cup of tea in the morning,” said Sanjoy Sen before leaving for Shillong.
The Mohun Bagan defence last night was outstanding against the likes of Wedson and Plaza. Brazilian Eduardo and Raju Gaekwad played their roles to perfection. According to Sen, “Eduardo is playing much better than he did in the Indian Super League (ISL). He is playing at least 60-70 percent better than what he did during the ISL. There was a lot of doubts about his ability.”
He added, “I always had the confidence that he (Raju) can stop players like Plaza and Wedson. You have to feel for him, he was out because of an injury. He was outstanding in the match against Bengaluru FC, as he gave no room to Udanta Singh, now regarded as the best winger in the country.”
Lastly it seems the Mohun Bagan coach might have been influenced by the Head Coach of Indian cricket team Anil Kumble. In a bid to strengthen the bonding between the players, Sanjoy Sen has started a practice this season by instructing his senior footballers to share rooms with the juniors. Likewise U’22 footballers Pintu Mahato has been sharing room with Kingshuk Debnath while last night’s hero Sony Norde stayed with Azharuddin Mullick before the derby.
“I am a firm believer that bonding plays a very important role in a team game like football,” signs off Sanjoy Sen.