Kolkata: Opponents have identified his style of play, so Mohun Bagan captain Sony Norde is putting in that extra effort during practice sessions to find a solution. The Haitian on Monday made it clear that he wants the coach to find a way so that he gets more open space to operate. Opponent coaches have realised that if they can mark Norde, then it will be easier to stop Bagan this season.
The Mohun Bagan captain, predominantly a left foot player was seen switching flanks in the Minerva Punjab match. The Haitian international seems more focussed as he was seen trying something different at today’s training.
The Bagan captain was seen training alone with physical trainer Samiran Nag after the team’s training session got over. The physical trainer was lobbing the ball in front so that he can make way past the opponent defender and shot at the goal before the ball bounced. This practice went on for a good 20 minutes before Norde was seen leaving the field. At times Norde looked frustrated with himself for not connecting the ball. It will be interesting to see whether the fans get to see such a movement from Norde in the derby on December 02 at Salt Lake Stadium.
Meanwhile the team management has imposed a gag order on the players and coaches for not speaking in the media and invite unnecessary pressure ahead of the derby.
As far as team news is concerned, Japanese midfielder Yuta Kinowaki is yet to recover from the groin injury. It looks very unlikely that the Japanese will feature in the first XI for the derby. Other foreigner Diego Fererra has not been impressive at all so far.
The Mariners will have to rely on the trusted trio of Norde, Kromah and Dicka to score goals in the derby.