Kolkata: Mohun Bagan are still in the race to win the I League, feels Bagan Coach Sanjoy Sen. Mariners are now in the third place in the I League table with 23 points from 12 matches. League toppers Aizwal FC are on 30 points from 14 matches while arch rivals East Bengal have so far collected 27 points from 14 matches. Mohun Bagan’s remaining matches in the I League are against Bengaluru FC (home on April 01), East Bengal (home on April 09), Minerva (away on April 15) , Chennai City FC (home) and Aizawl FC (away).
The gaffer has welcomed the break in between the I League as quite a few players in his team were suffering from injury in recent times. The break might well act as a blessing in disguise for the Green and Maroon footballers.
Commenting on the break Sanjoy Sen said, “I would say injury to key players has played a huge part for us not doing well. Compared to the last couple of season, this time we are dogged by injuries. Even during the last match we had injuries to two or three players. The break can be a blessing in disguise as the players can recover from the injuries. We need to regroup ourselves during the break.”
The Green and Maroon coach has implemented a rule in the team, as the players have been banned from speaking to the media. On being asked about the rule, Sanjoy Sen commented, “We do not have any military rule in place. What I feel is we need to concentrate on our preparation rather than talking too much. Concentration will be the key for the players in the forthcoming matches.”
He further added, “Perhaps a lack of focus in recent times has hampered us. What I gather is we need to concentrate even more and stay focused. Since, we are lagging behind so we need to concentrate even further. We are responsible for the situation we are in, and so it is our responsibility to regroup ourselves and bring back the glory. We still have six more matches to go and I firmly believe we can win the league from here.”
Mohun Bagan will start their campaign against reigning champions Bengaluru FC on April 01. The Mariners lost were held by Albert Roca’s side in Kanteerava.
According to Sanjoy Sen, “We have an important match coming up against Bengaluru FC and we cannot afford to lose any points.”
Most of the Bagan players are on their course to recover from the injury they had sustained. Balwant, who had a fracture in his hand had to get his hand plastered. Raju (Gaekwad) and Kingshuk (Debnath) are both recovering well. Keane Lewis still has some concerns with his injury. Duffy will join the squad on Friday while Katsumi will join practice from 25th. The players who are on national duty will join training from March 29 or 30.