We want to prove our worth to the ISL teams: Sanjoy Sen

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Sanjoy Sen on the first day of Mohun Bagan’s practice. Image Source: XtraTime

Kolkata: Kolkata giant Mohun Bagan who began their first practice under the guidance of coach Sanjoy Sen who returned to the field after months after he was ill as he had a bypass surgery. Owing to his poor health the Bagan gaffer has certain limitations and would train with the team accordingly as per advices by the doctor. Sen was seen standing in the sidelines, often giving instructions to the players, however Shankarlal Chakraborty was the coach who conducted the entire training.

“I never thought I would be back to field this soon, however all these decisions are been made under recommendation from the doctor. There is also a great need to be present in the practice from the very first day itself. I might have a couple of limitations but I will be present in the field everyday and am extremely grateful to god for this” said Sanjoy Sen.

On being questioned that this current season of the I-League who miss many star players with the likes of Jeje, Balwant and others, to which the Green and Maroon coach said, “This itself is the challenge for our clubs like Mohun Bagan and East Bengal to perform well. Now the question remains as to whether these Indian players like Jeje or Debjit gets chance to play, and I am eager to see that. Mohun Bagan will be aiming to become the champions and would play in that standard”.

Like their fellow arch-rivals East Bengal, the Mariners will play 2 practice matches with ISL teams like FC Pune City on November 6 and FC Goa on November 9. The team is set to leave from the city on November 4. So it will be a golden opportunity for Bagan to prepare well and to show the ISL teams that they are no different from them and thus can prove their worth.

“We have got this opportunity. They have approached us to play and thus it is a good chance for us to play against a good team and it will be a competitive game as both the teams would be featuring 5 foreigners. It will also serve as a check for us to see how much we are prepared for the games.”

Players like Yusa Katsumi, Eduardo Ferreira who were once a part of the Bagan squad till the last season has now joined the rival camp and would play for the Red and Gold outfits. On this matter Sanjoy Sen said, “I don’t want to think on that matter as of such. I didn’t want to keep them in the squad and thus didn’t keep them and what they do in the other club is their problem and I am least bothered about it. I am concerned about my own club but I have good terms with players and coaches all across the India and I maintain that. However these personal terms won’t come handy during the games as during such times they are my enemies. I want to wish them good luck but that too from my personal ground, when it comes to my professional ground I am not bothered about it”.
Australian Diogo Ferreira was present at the ground but didn’t practice with the squad as he is suffering from a stomach upset. Diogo who stays alone, eats food from restaurants and thus have suffered a stomach illness and he is expected to be fit in 2 days. Sony Norde is expected to start from the next day after he is scheduled to arrive today late at night. As for the other players, Dioanda Dicka, Kingsley and Yuta Kinowaki. However Kromah owing to a slight injury in his right calf muscle he spent the entire training by conducting stretching.