Kolkata Derby: The Kolkata Derby holds a lot of history and legacy as both the Kolkata giants have been fighting out for over 100 years. It is undoubtedly Indian football’s biggest fixture and one of the fiercest rivalries in Asia. Follow all the ISL 2021-22 LIVE Updates only on InsideSport.IN
Therefore both teams will be looking to win the iconic clash as bragging rights are at stake. Ahead of the game, both coaches are looking to motivate their players to get the best out of them. While SC East Bengal are languishing at the bottom of the table, ATK Mohun Bagan are also winless in their last two league outings. Therefore anything can happen when it’s a Kolkata Derby.
Pritam Kotal knows what a derby day means! ✊💚♥️#ATKMohunBagan #JoyMohunBagan #AmraSobujMaroon #HeroISL #ATKMBSCEB pic.twitter.com/JfiSqpvk2A
— Mohun Bagan Super Giant (@mohunbagansg) January 28, 2022
SC East Bengal head coach Mario Rivera also reiterated the same thought as he feels that his team definitely holds a chance to win the Derby. “Yes, of course, we can win the derby. When you’re playing a derby, you never mind the position in the table, you are facing your top rival and you are ready to win. Be it the position or the situation of the team, nothing is important before the derby,” the Spanish tactician opined.
SC East Bengal have been very busy during the winter transfer window as they have seen the arrival of Marcelo Ribeiro and Fran Sota in the January transfer window. Therefore Rivera has revealed how he is explaining the importance of the derby as the match will be played behind closed doors.
“I’m explaining the foreign players about the Kolkata derby because they will play without the crowd and for them it’s important to understand that. Today, I will show them some videos of great matches at the Salt Lake Stadium with a fully packed stadium with both supporters and a very nice atmosphere of the derby. They will miss this situation, but they need to know how important it is for our supporters to win the derby,” the Red and Golds head coach revealed.
Speaking about ATK Mohun Bagan, Mario Rivera feels that pressure will be on the Mariners to secure a win as they are looking to reach the top four spots. “They are fighting and are close to being in the top four, they are the favourites, and I think they have more pressure, but in another way, it’s almost the same. Both of us need the three points, but they need to win, a draw is not useful for them to reach the top four,” he added.
Juan Ferrando on the other hand is very happy that he is a part of this legendary fixture. he feels that despite the emotional side of the match, focus will be on three points.
“Of course I am happy. It’s a pleasure to be part of this team and this game. But we understand that our target is to get the three points, improve in our style and stay focused throughout the game. Of course, there’s an emotional side to the game but we have to keep our focus,” Ferrando answered when he was asked about his feelings ahead of the Derby.
SC East Bengal suffered a 4-0 draw in the last match against Hyderabad FC whereas ATK Mohun Bagan also could only manage a 0-0 draw against Odisha FC.
So when asked whether a big defeat deflates the morale and the players need to be psychologically very strong to go again in the Kolkata Derby, Rivera feels that every aspect is equally important. “I think every aspect is equally important. You need the top level in technical, tactical, psychological, and fitness aspects to win a match. One aspect is not more important just because we lost the last match, all aspects are equally important for all the matches,” Rivera explained.
Juan Ferrando also feels that there have been some improvements for the Mariners though they have only drawn their last two games. He feels that the Mariners have improved in positional attack but have struggled in transitions. He feels that given the conditions of the past three weeks he is satisfied with the proceedings.
“From my point of view, we improved in the positional attack. Our problem is in transitions. First, It’s necessary to be confident in attacking play and make risky passes. And then it’s about good transitional play. I am so happy because it’s a very difficult moment for us. And then in the last three weeks there has been a change in methodology. It’s not easy but the players are working hard and trying their best,” Ferrando asserted.
Lastly Mario Rivera spoke about how Fran Sota and Marcelo Ribeiro’s arrival will provide more balance to the team. He also adds how the team will miss the fans especially on the Derby day.
“The whole situation is that it’s a derby and we will miss the supporters, but nothing special and nothing more to say about that. Regarding our new signings, now we will have a more balanced team and we will improve every match and we don’t have too much time and the new players need to get fit soon, but we will get better each match,” SC East Bengal’s Spanish tactician concluded.
Ferrando also feels that the SC East Bengal are a different team under their new coach as he highlights how the players are moving more freely. he also points out how new signings will also create an impact for the Red and Golds.
“They have brought in some new players and a new coach. I have watched their last 3-4 games. The players are moving more freely. They are more compact and pushing the opposition. The supporters of SCEB are happy for the last few games,” he concluded.
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