Mohun Bagan Confident Ahead Of I League Opener Against Aizwal FC

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I League champions Mohun Bagan would like to make a winning start against Aizwal FC . Image Source : Xtra Time

Kolkata : Mohun Bagan AC will be without star Indian midfielder Lenny Rodrigues in the I League opener against Aizwal FC . The defending champions will kick start their season against the I League debutants at Barasat . The Goanese has suffered a hamstring injury sustained at the training session today . Mohun Bagan coach Sanjoy Sen has made it clear that he won’t be risking Lenny for the I League opener .

Lenny , who has joined Bagan  on loan from FC Pune City could be out for at least 2 matches. Another player Bikramjit Singh has also injured his groin but his injury seems to be not so serious. Souvik Chakraborty could take Lenny’s place in the first eleven.

“Lenny won’t be available in the first match. Bikramjit’s injury is not so serious but don’t want to take risk as it’s a long season ahead ” commented Sanjay Sen at the pre match press conference held at the Mohun Bagan tent .

Aizawl FC will be making their I League , by virtue of being the champions of second division league . Mohun Bagan coach Sanjoy Sen  admitted he has a very little idea about the  newly promoted team , “ Frankly speaking I don’t know much about them. I heard they play in small passes and are quick at their feet .But still we will go all out for full 3 points.”

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Both coaches confident of doing well in the I League opener . Image Source : Xtra Time

Sanjoy Sen also  admitted there will be much expectations from the fans as they are the defending champions.  “ I know there will be huge expectation from the fans to replicate the form we were in last year . This season the team looks even more stronger with quality players at all positions . We would like to make a winning start  and that will set the tone for the rest of the season .”

Aizawl FC will have nothing to lose as it is their maiden campaign. The debutants would like to leave a mark .

Pritam kotal who recently won the SAFF Cup sounds confident before their opening match. “It’s true that they will be playing with all their four foreigners . But our defence is quite capable to thwart the attacks . I have a very good combination with Dhanachandra and  Kinshuk. So it would not be a problem.”

Spanish coach Manuel Retamero, seems confident ahead of their opening encounter. The Spaniard who is an ardent follower of Pep Guardiola sounded optimistic. “ I respect Mohun Bagan. They are a very big club but  we  have also prepared well for the League .  We have nothing to lose and will give a good account for ourselves in the League ”. the Spaniard signed off .

The match will kick off at 4:30 pm in Barasat .