Kolkata : The defending I League champions perhaps got it’s biggest boost yesterday , with the arrival of Haitian International Sony Norde . Norde , who arrived in the city late last night was at the Bagan practice today . He was seen training under physical trainer Garcia along with team mate Subhash Singh . Sheer prescence of Norde lifted the morale of his teammates as they welcomed the Haiti international at the practice session . Norde was seen having a long discussion with Brazilian Luciano . The Bagan supporters came in numbers to cheer Norde today . Loud shout of “Norde – Norde” filled the air wishing him to win the derby on Saturday . Later , the Haiti international spoke to the media about his second stint in Bagan :
On his fitness – I am in much better shape now , although feeling a bit tired because of the long journey from Cuba . Will try and get match fit as quickly as possible . We have a good balance in the strike line . If I get an opportunity to play even for 10 minutes , will definitely give it my best shot .
On derby – We are in a good rhythm having won the first two matches . I saw both the matches on internet . But derby is all together a different match . No one can predict what the outcome will be .
On Cornell Glen – I didn’t have an opportunity to speak with him at the ground . But did discuss with him about the team and striking line in the dressing room .
On comparison with last year’s team with this year – Last year we were the champions of the I League . This year we have just started our campaign with a bang . But , it’s too early to comment which is a better team .
On personal goal – Doing well in AFC Cup is much more important for me . Our coach is the ultimate boss . It is for him to decide which one is more important . But if you want my opinion , I would definitely rate the AFC Cup much higher than the I League .
On face book post – The Mohun Bagan officials have always wanted to play for them this season . I also wanted to play for the Green and Maroon . The main reason for me coming back to play for Bagan this season was the atmosphere here . But last year the club went through some tough time , that forced me to think otherwise . As a professional footballer, I have to earn my living playing football .So , that is why I was looking for other avenues . But a club official based in Dubai , initated my move to Bagan . I was going through the posts and comments of the fans . That will inspire me to play well this season .
On Judelin Aveshka – He is presently playing in a second division club inArgentina . He was part of the team that played in the Copa America Cup qualifier against Trinidad and Tobago . His release from Bagan have got nothing to do with delaying my arrival to India . Maybe Aveshka could not impress the management here .The club asked me to suggest a defender , so I gave his name . I have never forced the club to take him .
On I League teams – All the teams are good this season . It will be a much more tougher and competitive I League .The first 9 matches of the league will be very important to win the championship .
On Bernard Mendy – The match will be between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan . It is a derby after all and not a match between Norde and Mendy.
On ISL – I have developed my skill as a footballer after playing in the ISL
Bagan coach Sanjay Sen maintained , he will take a call on Sony only after discussing his fitness with Garcia ,“ It’s too early to comment whether I will play him in the derby or not . I know he is in match practice. Will discuss with Garcia before taking a decision. ”