For a notable reason, Mohun Bagan Super Giant are facing heightened pressure ahead of the Kolkata Derby. Currently, seven key players from the first team are on national team duty. Unfortunately, injuries have compounded the challenge, with Ashique Kurunian and Sahal Abdul Samad ruled out. However, stand-in coach Clifford Miranda remains confident of Mohun Bagan’s chances of qualifying to the semis with the Mohun Bagan vs East Bengal match in Kalinga Super Cup is set for 19th January, 8PM IST.
“We know the significance of this match, not just in terms of the derby but, more importantly, in terms of a semi-final spot. That’s the most important thing,” said Mohun Bagan SG coach Clifford Miranda.
Even if Samad had been fit, donning the green and maroon would not have been possible due to his commitment to the Indian team. Additionally, the absence of Mavbir Singh, Deepak Tangri, Aniruddha Thapa, Liston Colaco, Subhashis Bose, and Vishal Kaith, who are representing the country, further depletes Mohun Bagan’s roster. The green-maroon brigade is set to enter the derby without nine key members from the first team, marking a challenging situation rarely witnessed in recent memory.
“It’s my first Derby, so I’m excited, yes. But how much pressure we put on ourselves depends on how we feel. For me, it’s just another game where I need to do my job as a coach and the players need to do theirs. Ideally, we would’ve wanted to have our full-strength squad, but whoever is playing is giving their 100 percent,” added the former India international.
The defense has shown vulnerabilities, often buckling under the opponent’s offensive pressure. Mohun Bagan experienced setbacks, conceding goals in the initial stages of the first two Super Cup matches against Srinidhi Deccan and Hyderabad. This susceptibility raises concerns for the green-maroon brigade, especially heading into the upcoming derby. However, Clifford asserts that there are no issues with the defense despite the challenges faced in recent matches.
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