Mohun Bagan’s Complacency Is The Reason For Downfall: Subrata Bhattacharya

Subrata Bhattacharya feels Mohun bagan getting complacent. Image Source: File Pic
Subrata Bhattacharya feels Mohun bagan getting complacent. Image Source: File Pic

Kolkata: Mohun Bagan who began superb in the I-league this season failed to continue their unbeaten run after losing consecutive two matches against Aizawl FC and arch rivals East Bengal and they drew the last match against highlanders Shillong lajong FC 2-2 yesterday. Mohun Bagan had lost eight valuable points in their last three matches which has made it difficult for Bagan to regain the triumph. On top of that, Bagan’s top two rivals for the Championship East Bengal and Bengaluru FC have played a match less than the Green and Maroons. We had a chance to speak to former Mohun Bagan’s two times NFL/I-league winning coach Subrata Bhattacharya on Mohun Bagan’s downfall.

Here are the xcerpts:

XT: Do you think mental tiredness and frequent journey is affecting Mohun Bagan’s journey in the I-league?

Subrata: It’s nothing about mental tiredness. When we used to play we had to play a whole lot of more matches than these players now. During the 70s and 80s we had to play a total of 80-90 matches including International tournaments, Santosh trophy etc. When I captained Mohun Bagan, we used to reach the finals of almost all the tournaments we used to play. It’s nothing but complacency have digged in the mind of the players. Remember we had to travel by train and now the players travel by flight. So it’s nothing but lame excuse.

XT: According to you, has Sony Norde’s absence been a factor for the Mariners?

Subrata: I don’t think so. Mohun Bagan is not a one man army. A team which is a contender for the league championship cannot depend on one man. Yes, Sony is a vital player for the Green and Maroon Brigade. If I say that Sony’s absence is hurting Mohun Bagan, then I am underestimating the other ten players. Being a former coach, I cannot say that.

XT: What is your say on Mohun Bagan without the services of a single coach in the reserve bench? Is that factor hurting Bagan?

Subrata: No, not at all. Sanjoy is only suspended to sit in the reserve bench during the matches. AIFF has not barred him from coaching. He is free enough to coach his side and as a coach all the strategies and plans are set up in the practice sessions. A coach is needed in the reserve bench only to make the changes. That Sanjoy can instruct from behind. This cannot be an issue.

XT: Is Balwant Singh’s injury, a loss for Bagan as because his injury is forcing Bagan to keep aged Cornell Glen in the pitch for 90 minutes?

Subrata: Cornell Glen is the only player who is playing in the forward line for Bagan. Glen is a very good striker but he is not being utilized properly. Balwant cannot be a replacement for Glen. Mohun Bagan’s tuning is not done properly with Glen.

XT: Is Luciano a proper replacement for Bello?

Subrata: Bello is much better than Luciano as a defender. Luciano is poor in clearing the ball from where the opponent goes on to score the goals in a counter-attack. On the other hand, Bello is good in covering as well as tackling which is the most significant quality a defender should have.