Kolkata: Fresh from their Kolkata derby victory, Mohun Bagan will hope to continue their winning momentum when they take on Churchill Brothers at the Vidyasagar Krirangan on Sunday. The Mariners camp may be high-flying especially after the derby win but coach Sanjoy Sen expects it to be tough battle and asked his boys not to get carried away.
“We are confident after out derby win but we are not over-confident. We have to stay grounded and go for all three points tomorrow. Churchill Brothers might have lost their opening game but that is a thing of the past. I am not reading into what has happened and it is a fresh start,” said the Bagan gaffer at the pre-match conference.
Churchill Brothers may have suffered a 2-0 loss against Shillong Lajong in their opening encounter, but Bagan talisman Sony Norde pointed out that teams play different when they face the Mariners and they should be cautious in their approach to the game.
“All teams that visit us will be aiming for three points and Churchill Brothers will not be any different. We have to be cautious against them,” said the Haitian international.
Yet to open heir account, 2012-13 champions Churchill Brothers will however be content with a draw in their second consecutive away match. “It’s an away game and to be frank, I want to go for one point. We don’t have any point till now,” said head coach Mykola Shevchenko.
Having had an experience of playing here with both the Goan clubs Dempo SC and the ‘Red Machines’ themselves, the Ukrainian defender is aware of the Mariners and expects a tough battle, on the cards.
“I know Mohun Bagan’s might since my playing days and know how big the club is. We have to be at our best and play for a result,” he added.
The match will also see Bagan mideo Ansumana Kromah face his former side and will hope to put another dominating performance for the Mainers. Israil Gurung and Uttam Rai will also be up against their former side Mohun Bagan in a Red jersey.