Firstly, a happy new year to all the Mariners across the globe. We are starting as a defending champions this season and I expect I-League should be organized in a better way than last year. Lots of promo and publicity to be made that can attract large crowd at every venue. It should be understood that branding plays a key role in popularising a sporting event. Hope the organizers will give importance to it to bring back the old aura of Indian club football.
Unlike the previous reasons, Kolkata derby might be played in a neutral venue this season. Playing our arch rival East Bengal in home, away or any neutral venue is always special. Yes, pressure may be there, but it can bring out the best from an ambitious side like us who want to retain the title. My boys know the emotion and pride of winning a Kolkata derby and will try to repeat what we did in the last season against the Red & Gold brigade.
To succeed in any aspect of life, a perfect preparation is inteigral. And our preparation is still going on, it’s quite good, but could have been better as well. The players are coming back from their ISL duties and they need time to settle in. But I hate giving excuses and hope my team will give their best to maintain the purple patch.
This season we have a lot of young players this and team spirit will accompany the “x-factor” this season. The boys have the zeal and determination to outclass any opposition. I strongly believe that our supporters will play as our 12th man to boost the morale of the side.
For the I-League, we have signed Cornell Glen, who had already made a big impact in Indian football as far as foreign players are concerned. I hope he continues with that. His addition brings more flexibility in my side. His performance will add the extra spark and sharpness on the upfront to score more goals this season.
It will be a big challenge for me as a coach as the expectation will be sky-kissing after clinching the crown in the last season and also for my players to defend the title. We will go to that extra mile to achieve it. That’s sure. I hope the fans will come in numbers in each and every game to encourage us to go for glory.
Thanks,
Sanjoy Sen