CALCUTTA (India): Former champions Mohun Bagan and Aizawl FC will kick off the 13th I-League in Aizawl on Saturday, but their former coaches and players gave a thumbs down to the Calcutta as they hope to win their second title.
Bagan last won the league in 2014-2015 season while their city rivals East Bengal is yet to win the trophy after it was rechristened from National Football League to I-League in 2007.
But the red and gold brigade finished second behind Chennai City last year.
Khelupdates spoke to those who were associated with Bagan’s previous triumphs on the eve of the club’s opening match.
Depth of these teams is very low
Subrata Bhattacharya (Ex-Bagan coach): The Calcutta clubs are no longer considered to be strong. Newly-formed clubs have won the championship in the last couple of editions. This is the last chance to win the I-League before they join ISL, but the depth of these teams is very low.
MB, EB love to walk on the opposite pole
Sanjay Sen (Ex-Bagan coach): I’ve doubts if they can win the tournament this time. I think a team has to have the system to be a champion which is absent in both East Bengal and Bagan. They love to walk on the opposite pole. They should’ve played in played ISL much earlier, but they didn’t do. The gap between the I-League teams is not much. It’ll be tough for them. This time, Bagan’s selection of foreigners was faulty while East Bengal did a shade better.
They don’t have any chance to win league
Mehtab Hussain (former MB and EB captain): When will they understand the differences between the Kolkata League and the I-League? They don’t have a great chance to win the league this time. I’m not optimistic about the current Bagan team. East Bengal has retained almost the same team, and I’m hopeful they’ll do well. But if none of them win the crown, it’ll be a big shame for Bengal football.
Non-payment of dues will affect Bagan’s performance
Syed Rahim Nabi (former MB and EB captain): A big-budget team can never become a champion. Footballers must get the right direction. I’ve heard that Bagan players haven’t received their salaries. Non-payment of dues is something that will affect their performance. While rest of the I-League clubs did their homework and preparations, Mohun Bagan and East Bengal haven’t had great pre-tournament trainings. I’ll keep my fingers crossed.
