Kolkata: I-League heavyweights Mohun Bagan narrowly missed out on their second I-League title this year as Aizawl FC made it to the trophy. Also, with their coach Sanjoy Sen’s contract finishing on the 31st of May, there were a lot of speculations made on his future. He was offered contracts from big clubs like East Bengal but the good news for the Mohun Bagan fans is that Sen has agreed verbally to continue as their coach.
In an interaction with Xtratime, he said, ” They (Mohun Bagan) have verbally approached me and I have also confirmed my decision verbally. But I’m yet to sign my contract. I may speak with the officials within a few days. I’m going for a vacation. If I cannot sign the contract in a week’s time, I will do it when I will return.”
The Indian domestic football is all set to witness both the I-League and the Indian Super League being played simultaneously. But he felt that it would be different challenge coaching this season as he said, ” If I get a set team, it’s always good, but these are the challenges every coach has to face in professional coaching. It will be a different challenge next season.
The availability of the top quality players in the I-League might be a problem this football season. While many players would automatically be more interested in playing in the ISL as it yields more financial benefits, Sanjoy Sen has submitted a list of the players he wants to retain in the Mohun Bagan setup.
“..I have given a list of around 22 players to the club who I believe can be retained. Now we have to check whom we can eventually retain. If I don’t get the players I want, we have to go for alternative options” he said.
Djair Miranda Garcia is a very good fitness trainer who has been a very important cog in the wheel for keeping the fitness levels of the Mariners on track, but he has been taken by their arch-rival club for the upcoming season.
“I didn’t bring Garcia to Mohun Bagan. The club brought him. Remember, this club had Barreto as well in the past, he too had to leave. Yes, if someone stays with the side, it’s good for the team as well. But you can’t help if someone decides to leave” said Sen on Garcia making a move to the red and gold brigade.
As a matter of fact, East Bengal had also approached him for coaching their team in the I-League but he wasn’t eager in proceeding with the talks.
He said, “No, I don’t have any regrets. I love to work where I feel comfortable. Apart from that, East Bengal appointed Khalid Jamil as their Head Coach. He is a champion coach, a great professional.”
Both the Kolkata clubs would go all guns blazing and aim for the silverware. While Mohun Bagan has won it already once, East Bengal are yet to open their account in the same record. Hence, they would be more fired up to win that maiden title.
Said Sen, “They (East Bengal) build strong squads every season to become the champions. But you can only have one champion. But it’s good to follow a definite plan. All the best to them. We have our own plans.”
On the availability of the key player Sony Norde next season, he said, ” Of course, I have requested to retain Sony. He played extremely well last season. But I won’t disclose the other names.”
Talking of the new recruits, Mohun Bagan has secured the services of Kingsley Obumneme, who he rated very highly.
Said Sen, “Yes, we have already signed Kingsley from Aizawl FC. He signed for Mohun Bagan before going back to his country. He played outstanding football in the previous season and a great strength to have in the defence.
“Apart from that I asked to sign Ranti Martins as well. He is a prolific goalscorer and knows the Indian conditions very well. Yes, he will be a bit slow as age is a matter. But he is playing in The USA and fitness shouldn’t be an issue.”