Bagan coach Sanjay Sen lauds the side coached by Thangboi Singto
Kolkata: Mohun Bagan coach Sanjay Sen has warned his players not to be complacent against Shillong Lajong on Friday. The Mariners, oozing in confidence following the win against Churchill Brothers in the first match will look to continue the momentum. The gaffer will be forced to make a couple of changes from the side that played in the first match. Mohun Bagan will now host their remaining I-League matches at Rabindra Sarobar Stadium under floodlights.
The Mariners may start the proceedings against Lajong with Jeje Lalpekhlua and Balwant Singh. Jeje, who has been in phenomenal form last season, is most likely to play his first match for Bagan in the I League. He will come in for Darryl Duffy, who did not train with the team today following a mild fever. Brazilian Eduardo is also ruled out for tomorrow’s match.
Mohun Bagan coach hinted that Jeje might start with Balwant at the pre-match press conference. “Duffy is fine. He complained about having fever and was suggested not to train with the team. I think it is nothing serious and hopefully can play the game tomorrow.”
On being asked about Jeje’s a chances to play, Sanjay Sen said, “Jeje definitely has a chance to play as he is in the 18 member squad.
Mohun Bagan coach had a long video analysis session with his footballers at the club tent ahead of the training session. Both Balwant and Jeje started for the first side at the training today. U’22 footballer Sourav Das will replace Subhasish Bose, who picked a red card in the last match. He will play in the right half along with Kean Lewis who will operate from the left. In that situation Katsumi Yuasa will play in the middle as a withdrawal striker. Jeje, who still isn’t 100 percent fit will come in as a replacement for Sourav. Katsumi will switch over to his original position then. Sehnaz and Souvik Chakraborty will play in the middle. Souvik Ghosh will play his first match this season in left back position along with Pritam Kotal in the right. Kingshuk and Anas Edathodika will keep their place in the central defence. Debjit Majumder will be under the goal.
On being asked about Friday’s game against Lajong, the gaffer said, “My players know they have to win most of the matches to win the I League. We have to target winning all the matches although it might not be easy. We have started the campaign well against Churchill and our focus will be to hold the momentum. I have warned my players that the match against Lajong will be tough. They need to keep their calm and come out with flying colours.”
Shillong Lajong had a disastrous start to the season as they were outplayed by Bengaluru FC in the first match. Thangboi Singto side has signed three new foreigners – Romanian defender Dan Gelu Ignat, Japanese midfielder Uttah Kinowaki and Cameroon striker Aser Pierrick Dipanda who was with DSK Shivajians last season. Brazilian striker Fabia Pena has been retained by the North East side.
Mohun Bagan Sanjay Sen heaped high praises on Thangboi Singto’s side.
“Lajong is a good side and cannot be underestimated after their 0-3 loss against Bengaluru FC in the first match. They will definitely work on rectifying their mistakes. They have been a thorn in the flesh for us even after I took over as coach of this club. We have discussed their strengths and weaknesses in the last few practice sessions. Hopefully if we play to our potential we can win the match.”
He further added, “Fear factor for Shillong Lajong side. They have been training under a same coach for a long time and so the players combine well together. They are a well organized side. I am told that they have at least 10-12 U’22 players in their side. Too much is spoken about the U’22 players in India but if you look at the foreign clubs the average age is very young with at least 6-7 players falling under this category. Technically they are a very sound team although their height has been their shortcoming.”
Shillong Lajong coach Thangboi Singto will look to improve their performance against Mohun Bagan.
“We are a young side with an aim of improving on our performance from last season. We have no injury concerns and would look to step up against a top side. It should motivate the players even more,” said Singto.
The Lajong gaffer admitted it will be tough for his side to snatch a point against Mohun Bagan.According to Singto, “It is always difficult to play against Mohun Bagan. They are a top side with quality players. Without Sony Norde also, they are tough opponent.”
Mohun Bagan (Probable XI) : Debjit Majumder, Souvik Ghosh, Anas Edathodika, Kingshuk Debnath, Pritam Kotal, Kean Lewis, Shehnaz Singh, Souvik Chakraborty, Katsumi Yuasa, Sourav Das/Jeje Lalpekhlua and Balwant Singh.