Kolkata: City giant Mohun Bagan has lost both their warm-up games against Indian Super League sides FC Goa and FC Pune City. They had conceded six goals against these two teams, but according to Coach Sanjoy Sen, there is no reason to fear and these results have actually helped them to prepare for the I-League.
“ We have started our practice pretty late, on the other hand the ISL sides are doing practice together over a month. A lot of chances were made during the warm-up matches to find the correct combination for the upcoming I-League. Though we had conceded six goals but that could have been avoided too. The team had the chances to win the matches too, but luck was not in our favour. The players have to look what they did wrong in the field and rectify it ahead of the start of the League. We also had no idea about the foreigners of both the teams, that could be the reason too,” said Sen while talking to the media.
Bagan’s newly signed defencive medio Diogo Ferreira has not performed well in the practice matches. On being asked whether he is a bit tensed with Diogo’s form, the Green & Maroon gaffer said,” Not only Diogo, except Sony all the other foreigners are new in the squad. The need time to cope up with the situation.” Though during the practice session Mohun Bagan coach was seen talking to Diogo. Sen will look after the mid-field organization in tomorrow’s practice session. He is also hopeful that Green & Maroon Brigade’s star forward Ansumana Kromah will join the squad in seven to ten days time.
A few new teams will participate in this year’s I-League. Bagan coach didn’t look much concerned about them.
Mohun Bagan’s star Haitian winger Sony Norde too thinks that the loss in the warm-up matches won’t affect the team in future.” We are not bothered about the losses in the warm-up games against the ISL side. We have understood where we have to improve and we will do that,” said Sony before leaving the ground.