Kolkata: Mohun Bagan started their training for the new I-League season in rousing reception from the fans as they were greeted with roses, cheers and green and maroon smoke in their ground. It has been a remarkable phase for the Mariners in the last couple of seasons as they won both I-League and Federation Cup in the years 2015 and 2016 respectively. The new season is certainly full of high hopes and expectations as they have retained almost the same team which they had in the last couple of years.
Today, after the training, Mohun Bagan coach Sanjoy Sen predicted the 2017 I-League to be more “open” compare to the last couple of seasons. He said, “I don’t think the battle would only be among Bengaluru FC, East Bengal and us. The others are building strong squads as well and they would certainly throw a stiff challenge.” He added, “Chennai City are building a good squad, DSK too are looking strong, Minerva will be a surprise package as well. They have brought a great coach like Colin Toal who can make a difference. So it will be an open battle.”
A question was asked to the Bagan coach regarding the team strength of arch rivals East Bengal as many predicting Mohun Bagan to be a stronger unit on paper. But Sanjoy said, “Who said East Bengal is weaker on paper? They have signed a superbly talented Indian forward like Semboi Haokip, the other Indian players and foreigners are also good. They look really strong on paper.”
The East Bengal fans are claiming their new Haitian Wedson Anselme to be the reply of Bagan’s Sony Norde, but Sanjoy said, “I don’t know if Wedson is a reply or not but I heard he is a good player, a fine playmaker and we have respect for him.”
It was informed by the Bagan officials that Sony will arrive on 3rd January. New Brazilian defender Eduardo has also applied for the visa and is expected to join soon. New recruit Anas Edathodika and Jeje will join at the start of January. Apart from them, almost the entire squad was present in the opening day of the training session. It was Brazilian physio Garcia who was in charge of the training today and emphasised on situational trainings.
Sanjoy Sen was reluctant to disclose the fitness status of the side but seemed hopeful to clinch another I-League, as he said, “It will be too early to comment on the fitness status of the players but one thing for sure, Mohun Bagan will play to regain the I-League title.”