Fourth foreigner Eduardo Ferreira arrives in city
Kolkata: Mohun Bagan and India striker Jeje Lalpekhlua did not hide his disappointment of not being able to do well as a team in the AFC Cup. Mohun Bagan failed to make it past the quarter final stages in the AFC Cup last season. While I League champions Bengaluru FC did the country proud by reaching the final of the premier club tournament of Asia. Judged as the Player of the Year by AIFF, Jeje shared his disappointment while talking to the media at the club tent today.
“When you saw Bengaluru FC playing the AFC Cup final, it was good for Indian football. So, hopefully our target this season should be to do well in the AFC Cup as well,” said the diminutive striker from Mozoram.
Jeje sounded confident before the start of the I-League is looking forward to winning titles for the club.
“It’s a new year, new season. Our target is to win all three trophies – I League, Federation Cup and AFC Cup,” said the Mizo footballer amidst loud cheers from the fans.
On being asked about his decision to continue with Mohun Bagan, Jeje said, “I had a lot of injuries in my first season in this club, but the officials have stayed beside me. I did have a lot of offers but eventually I decided against.
Jeje, who has joined the club training from today along with new signing Anas Edathodika and Bikramjit Singh, was seen working with Bagan physical trainer Garcia. Later, he was asked whether he will be fit enough to play the opening encounter against Churchill Brothers. “Let’s see, it depends upon the coach,” said the Mizo striker.
Mohun Bagan coach Sanjay Sen is trying a lot of options with his players ahead of his side’s I League opener against Churchill Brothers on January 08. On Wednesday, the gaffer was seen stressing more on set piece movement and situation practice. A lot more emphasis was given to using the flanks from both sides. Souvik Ghosh and Kean Lewis along with Pritam Kotal and Katsumi Yuasa were constantly instructed to feed the ball to Darryl Duffy. It looks Azharuddin Mullick will start for the Mariners along with Duffy. Sehnaz, who did not feature in the practice match yesterday, was seen playing in the mid-field along with Souvik Chakraborty.
Meanwhile Balwant Singh, who injured his knee while training on Tuesday, was back training with Garcia. He may come as a substitute for Bagan’s first match against Churchill on Sunday.
According to Mohun Bagan coach Sanjay Sen, “I think he will be fit ahead of the first match. There was no need for a MRI as suggested by the doctor. It was a minor niggle and hopefully he will be fit ahead of the first match.”
Bagan’s fourth foreigner Eduardo Ferreira also arrived in the city today morning. The FC Pune City defender later registered his name at the IFA office. The Brazilian will start training with his team mates from tomorrow.
The Bagan strike line boasts of players like Jeje, Balwant and Duffy who have all proven their credentials. Asked whether the strike line this season is the best or not, a relaxed Jeje said, “Mohun Bagan always had an attacking side right from the time I joined the club. Obviously with the addition of Duffy, we will be further strengthened. If we work together as a team, there is no reason why we cannot win the trophy again.”