Kolkata: David Lalrinmuana, the captain of the Aizawl FC side in the previous season, hardly got any opportunity to play this season for his new club Kingfisher East Bengal. The highly rated central midfielder was declared to be the best midfielder of the previous season and led his team by an example to reach the final of the Federation Cup despite getting relegated in the I-League which was later overturned by the AIFF. His former club did exceptionally well this season, as the highlanders are now challenging Mohun Bagan to clinch the maiden I-League title.this season. In an interaction with www.xtratime.in , David too seemed to be missing his former team. Here goes the conversation:
XT: David, you had been the man who led Aizawl FC to reach the final of the Federation Cup last season. The team is now battling for the I-League title. Any special feeling?
David: I’m feeling really good. But unfortunately, I’m not there with the team this season. Last season, the team was a bit inconsistent and immature. We used to concede easy goals. This time it looks better.
XT: What do you think about the difference between the team of the previous season and this season?
David: This season the players got a bit matured. A few experienced players too were signed. The coach too had rich experience as he worked for Mumbai FC for a long time.
XT: Do you feel repentant somewhere to join East Bengal as you didn’t get a chance to play? You could have easily been a part of this historic moment had you been there at Aizawl.
David: Yes I feel repentant. At the start, I didn’t know that the team will be recalled from the relegation and I signed here. The moment AIFF said Aizawl won’t be relegated, I asked East Bengal to release me. But they neither released me, nor gave me the opportunity to play.
XT: Do you think Khalid Jamil has made a difference this season?
David: I don’t have much knowledge about his coaching as I never worked with him. But his biggest positive was that he knew all the teams and the players because of his experience.
XT: Do you have any plan to go back to your previous club next season?
David: Don’t know really. To play for any club you need to have the performance with you. But East Bengal has given me no chance to perform.
XT: Do you want give any message to your former team against Mohun Bagan?
David: I just want to say good luck to Aizawl. Hope the better team wins.