Kalyani: East Bengal’s midfield general Mehtab Hossain has made up his mind on leaving the Red and Gold brigade if he fails go win the I-League this year. Mehtab looked very serious while saying so. The midfield maestro said, “I have not yet win the I-League which has been the biggest regret for me. If I win it this time then its up to the club officials to decide, but if I do not win the league for East Bengal then I have decided I will leave. Its final.”
Mehtab Hossain looked in shock after hearing the news of the sudden death of his previous coach Amal Dutta. He said, “I first met him in Tollygunge Agragami. He was a great coach with a lot of innovative ideas. His loss is a huge one for Indian football. I will miss him a lot. He has given a lot to Indian football and if he would have born a little earlier he could have given more. He always had that passion to work with the juniors and used to encourage us a lot. I am thankful to God that I had the privilege to play under his coaching.”
East Bengal players began their residential camp today at Kalyani Municipal Corporation stadium in the presence of coach Trevor Morgan, assistant coach Richard Dryden and goalkeeper coach Abhijit Mondal and two foreigners Do-Dong Hyun and Calum Angus. As a mark of respect, the players and coaching staff took a minute silence to pay tribute to former East Bengal footballer and coach Amal Dutta, who passed away last night.
The players did a little jogging and stretching before getting down to train with the ball under the watchful eyes of Morgan. Abhijit Mondal was busy training the goalkeepers separately. Trevor gave stress on one touch football in between as well as set pieces. Likewise every other training session, Trevor did train the defenders separately as defense has been a matter of concern for the Red and Gold since last season. The gaffer spoke with the defenders too about how to reach towards a ball and go for a hard and smooth tackle according to situation.
The players had a half an hour pool session after the training which helped them free their arms and muscles. Richard Dryden was looking after the physical training so that the players stay fit for the whole season and they do not get injuries regularly.
After the practice Trevor said, “The camp has began well. The players looked happy after the first day. I have planned out every thing for every training session.” Regarding Mohun Bagan’s withdrawl from the derby, the British coach echoed what he had said earlier. “I am not worried about Mohun Bagan playing or not. As I have said earlier in football no body is favourites ahead of a tournament. We need to play well to win the CFL as we are in a verge of a record.” Regarding Haitian Wedson’s arrival, the gaffer said, “No idea. He is still uncertain.”
East Bengal’s Korean missile Dong said, “This is my first residential camp for East Bengal. it feels nice. We have started well. I want to do well in both the leagues so am taking this camp seriously. I am here to prove a point.”