Jagrick Dey, Bhuvneshwar: Mohun Bagan versus Bengaluru FC of late has been of late has been the most intriguing battle in Indian football. The I-League and Federation Cup rivalries have already been on the folklore.Duriung the pre-match press conference of Hero Super Cup semi-final clash against Bengaluru FC, Mohun Bagan coach Sankarlal Chakraborty recalled Bagan’s 0-2 defeat in that match in the Federation Cup last season.
“The quality which Bengaluru FC displayed against us in the Hero Federation Cup final last year was splendid,” he recollected. “Coach Roca changed the formation in the match thrice. I will never forget their one-sided dominance all throughout my life,” he said, adding: “Do not forget that Mohun Bagan were perhaps the best side last season.”
Speaking about Bagan’s rivalry with Bengaluru FC, Sankarlal labelled the match as the “one of the biggest matches in Indian Football.”
“But we are prepared for them. In Indian Football, BFC are one of the teams who have the better infrastructure and are one of the best-prepared teams.”
“BFC are very dangerous in their transitions,” Sankarlal maintained. “I hear people talking about their trio of Sunil Chhetri, Miku and Udanta Singh upfront. Yes, they are deadly. But at the same time, you need to be wary about the support from behind,” he pronounced. “We have talked about them in our meetings and practised likewise.”
On the other hand, Bagan midfielder Raynier Fernandes said that they are “ready for the challenge. We know it’s a tough match. But we are ready for it.”
Bagan coach said, “Modern Football has changed. You cannot depend on one single player to win you a match. Nowadays, it’s more about a team effort which invariably decides the winning combination. I have said from day one that in a knockout tournament, it’s all about balancing everything.”