Xtra Time Web Desk: Bengal’s ’emotional match’ is on Saturday. Despite being another league match of the Indian Super League, the Green-Maroon team is always desperate to win against SC East Bengal in the Kolkata Derby. The ATK Mohun Bagan players had a rest day on Saturday.Those who have played are waiting to play this match. Antonio Habas made the entire team rest on Saturday after winning against the Kerala Blasters. The Green and Maroon brigade are bubbling in confidence afternoon the comprehensive win against Kerala Blasters. Coach Antonio Habas has started the preparations for the Derby from Monday. Local boys Pritam Kotal and Subhasish Bose, who have played this match in plenty shared their thoughts ahead of the derby.
In an interview with ATK Mohun Bagan Media, one of the captains Pritam Kotal said, “This match is always important being a son of Bengal. I have played many derby matches. I know how happy the fans get when we win this match. This year our style of playing has changed. We are attacking from behind. Attacking football is our main weapon this time. Our team has the ability to score four goals in return for one goal. The coach is making the strategy that way. There is no reason to worry about the defence. The mistakes made in the Kerala match should be taken care of so that it can be avoided in the Derby. I watched the first match of East Bengal. There are two or three good foreigners. Perosevic, the number seven-player, I find him very skilled. Despite a draw, they did not play badly. We won two derbies in last year’s ISL. This time also that will continue. I am confident in this regard. We will win, we shall play with this attitude. We have to win. “
Another captain Subhasish Bose reckons playing in a derby is like an emotion for him. According to Subhasish, “Derby drives any Bengali footballer like me with emotion and excitement. But I never let emotion overrule the game. It is just another match for me. We have to win this match like any other match. Both teams will play the second match of the competition. No one has been tested that way yet. As a result, we have to be careful. I watched the game of SC East Bengal. Although they could not win, they played well. I saw from where they were attacking. The coach also watched. All the tactics have been practiced in our team’s pre-preparation camp. Preparations have started on how the coach will make the team play. I want to think about Derby for now. The supporters are happy when the team wins.”