When asked about the derby loss to Karim, the coach was confident and he replied, "You never have any control over a derby match, there is so much that goes into it, the media, the support, the pressure." With this Bagan side going into the derby with the pressure of winning 10 matches on the trot and everybody expecting them to make it 11. Moreover, the unbeaten derby run for Bagan for almost a period of 2 years also was a big pressure to defend and not to mention the pressure of winning the I League. I guess the players couldnot cope up with the pressure well, but honestly am happy we lost." I mean obviously losing in a derby match for Bagan is a big thing, but I learnt to take it in a possitive tone. I can now see the players are more relieved and enjoying themselves and rearing to a start afresh against Churchill; Hope we can make another good run of 6 matches."
When asked about KEB coach Shubhash Bhowmick's derogetary comment, coach Karim said, "I am a coach of ethics, I have my work ethics and I respect even my opposition and so I share a healthy relationship with all footballers and coaches of India."
During practice session however, Bagan coach laid stress on the defensive formation and on the finishing capabilities of the bagan striking force. Pitted against their own defense, Bhaichung, Barreto and Lalam practiced hard and so did Dipak, Manju, Odafe and Habibur.It seems the team against Churchill would be remaining the same. Dipak, Manju, Odafe, Habibur, Ishfaq, Marcos, Masih, James, Bhaichung, Barreto.
Pictures: Soumyadeb Sinha
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