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Kolkata: Mohun Bagan to start the new season under the coaching of Shankarlal Chakraborty, as Head Coach Sanjoy Sen will take the charge before the I-League season begins. Today, www.xtratime.in correspondent Gopal Roy spoke to Shankarlal to know the plans Mohun Bagan has for the season.
Shankarlal: Of course to become the champions. But no one can guarantee that. Will try my best.
XT: This would be the second time when you would be the Head Coach of Mohun Bagan in the Calcutta Football League. How do you enjoy it?
Shankarlal: I have thought a lot about it. This is my fourth year in Mohun Bagan as a coaching staff. A lot of famed names have coached Mohun Bagan over the years. It’s indeed a proud moment for me. I’m thankful to the officials for giving me this opportunity and my intention will be to do better this time.
XT: How do you see your forthcoming duel with East Bengal coach Khalid Jamil?
Shankarlal: Not just Khalid, Bishu da (Biswajit Bhattacharya) too is a top coach. In fact, there would be experienced coaches in the nine other CFL clubs as well. Khalid will not be new to the situation as he would get the support Maoranjan, Bhaskar, Tushar and Alvito.
XT: This would be the first time when you will taste the evergreen taste of a Kolkata derby as a Head Coach. Excited?
Shankarlal: I don’t want to comment on the previous CFL derby at Kalyani. Waiting for a good match this season.
XT: What do you want to say about the quality of foreigners of East Bengal and Mohun Bagan?
Shankarlal: We can only get to know when they will play. We have recruited three foreigners on the basis of their performance in the previous season. They are really good. I don’t want to comment on our oppositions.
XT: Will Garcia’s absence make any difference?
Shankarlal: Only time can tell that. We will have our pre-season at our own ground. So looking forward to it.
XT: Are you confident of retaining Balwant Singh?
Shankarlal: The picture is not yet clear. Lot depends on the ISL draft. And if we need players, we’ll tell that to the officials, not to the media.