Pune side might face a penalty after failing to attend the pre match conference
Kolkata: Winless in the last couple of matches, Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan is desperate to get back to winning ways against DSK Shivajians at Rabindra Sarobar Stadium on Friday. Bagan coach Sanjay Sen has labeled the tie as a “turnaround’ game for them in I League. Added incentive for Mariners will be they can replace East Bengal on top in the league table.
Bagan, second in the points table playing a game less than East Bengal, are on 18 points. In the last two away games the Mariners had to be content with just two points.
In Mumbai, their 0-0 result hurt them more because earlier in the day East Bengal failed to win against Shillong Lajong in Siliguri.
According to Bagan coach Sanjay Sen, “This one is our turnaround game.”
In the first meeting between the two sides, Shivajians held Bagan to a goalless stalemate in Pune.
“In our two away matches, our target was six or at least four points, but we got two points. Thus, this is a very important game for us. We have to get back to winning ways,” said the gaffer.
Bagan will feel confident as they have an all win record at home.
“We will try and keep all win home record. Mohun Bagan has also conceded least number of goals in the league. That is good as far as our backline is concerned. We will definitely try to score and win the match,” said Sanjay Sen to the reporters ahead of the clash.
The major concern for Sanjay Sen is his star Haitian marksman Sony Norde has been battling with a knee injury he picked up recently during practice. Norde had an injury in the same left knee during the Indian Super League where he plied for Mumbai City FC. Although Norde still feels the pain, Coach Sanjay Sen has confirmed he will keep him in the playing XI. Norde has been declared is fit to start according to his doctor.
According to Sanjay Sen, “Anant Joshi is a renowned sports doctor and he is treating Sony. According to his advice I am putting him in first XI (for tomorrow).”
Mohun Bagan’s opponent on Saturday, DSK has had a recent spate of good results with draw against defending champions Bengaluru FC and win over Shillong Lajong on the road which is difficult. They were held by newbies Minerva Punjab FC at the latter’s home in their last game.
The side from Pune is in the sixth spot in the table with 10 points from nine outings. But the Dave Rodgers coached side might face a penalty as they skipped the pre match press conference on Friday.
Meanwhile, there will be banners and posters all over the stadium as a mark of respect for the departed soul of die-hard Mohun Bagan fan Soumya Mukherjee. Soumya died due to an accident while returning from Siliguri after watching the derby. Members from a fans forum was seen collecting donations from the players to raise fund to make posters and banners in the memory of Soumya.