Kolkata : Always a believer of team work Bagan coach Sanjoy Sen once again made it clear on Monday , he will not risk anyone in the forthcoming derby, who isn’t hundred percent fit . For him , every single player in the team have equal status . Even a Ram Malik will enjoy the same status as Sony Norde , “Sony have to prove himself to get a place in my team. For me Ram Malik and Sony Norde is same , as they are both in my team ”.
Bagan coach also felt that they have to be at their best to beat East Bengal. “We are improving by each match . We cannot be complacent against East Bengal as that can bring our downfall ”.
“East Bengal is one of the best teams in India. With Narayan Das joining them they have strengthened their defence. Last year we have defeated them but derby is always a different ball game”.the Bagan gaffer added.
East Bengal players returned from Mumbai today after playing a goalless draw against Mumbai FC at the Cooperage stadium . Coach Biswajit Bhattacharya was not too pleased with the performance of the team . The Red and Gold missed quite a few opportunities to take the lead in the 2nd half . “ For me a draw is as good as losing . We played well in the second half but failed to capitalise on the given opportunities . My focus now is to concentrate with my boys for the forthcoming derby ” commented Biswajit .
Haitian Sony Norde reached Kolkata today to play for Mohun Bagan. On being asked about Norde , the Red and Gold coach seemed not too bothered. “Sony is not new to us. Look , the players have to play well as they are all professional footballers. “
Sehnaj Singh , who injured his quadriceps is probably going to miss the Derby. Alongside him Cavin Lobo and Gurwinder Singh are also doubtful .Coach Biswajit Bhattacharya is very confident ahead of the most important game of the I-league. “I don’t have Sehnaj, Lobo, Gurwinder but still I have belief on my other players .” said Biswajit .
East Bengal left back and captain Robert sounds very optimistic “ We have collected four points from two away matches But Mohun Bagan didn’t have to play any away match so far. Four points from two away matches is not bad.”
Veteran Midfielder Mehtab Hussain who missed the opening two matches will be marshalling the midfield in the derby . “SCG and Mumbai FC are always a tough opponents away from home. The boys are pretty much confident and you will see a new look East Bengal side on January 23 ” the midfielder added.
Meanwhile , the tickets for the season’s first I-League Kolkata derby between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal to be held at the Salt Lake Stadium on January 23 will go on sale from tomorrow, Tuesday.
Similar to the last season’s I-League derby which was organized by Mohun Bagan, a hospitality box will be set up, tickets for which have been priced at Rs. 500. Spectators availing hospitality box facility, will be served food as well.
The price of the ticket for the normal galleries has been kept at Rs. 100, while the rates of the VIP gallery and VIP Dignitary tickets are Rs. 200 and 300 respectively.
Mohun Bagan supporters will be sitting on the VIP (L) gallery while the opponents will be occupying the VIP (R).
Mohun Bagan supporters will be entering the Stadium through Gate No. 1, 2, and 3, whereas their arch rivals will be allowed entry via Gate No. 3, 4 and 5. All the tiers of Gate No. 3 will be divided into 2 parts, so that there is no clash between the fans of both the teams.