Kolkata, Dec 2: Kolkata heavyweights Mohun Bagan and East Bengal will look to prove a point when they resume their traditional rivalry in the I-League, here Sunday.
Even though the AIFF has emphasised that the I-League remains the top-tier competition of the country, it’s no secret that they are a poor cousin to the lucrative ISL which has not only got the better share of players but a superior broadcast quality.
To add to the players’ misery is the 2.00 pm kick-off for the marquee match, which is a first for the Kolkata derby at the iconic Salt Lake Stadium since 1984. Since the ISL mathes are being played at 5:30 pm and 8:00 pm the I League matches have been scheduled early in the day.
“For a high-intensity match, it’s an unusual time. We have asked the players to get ready for the warm-up session at the ground at 1.10 pm. It means that they will have early lunch too, may be by 10.00 am. It could be an influencing factor,” said Mohun Bagan assistant coach Shankarlal Chakraborty.
Both Mohun Bagan and East Bengal are still winless in the I-League this season and that has certainly placed coaches Sanjoy Sen and Khalid Jamil under a lot of pressure. It is imperative for both to register their first win of the season.
The man to watch out in the derby this season will be the Japanese Katsumi Yusa, who will be donning the red-and-yellow jersey for the first time against his old club Mohun Bagan. Katsumi was one of the architects of Mohun Bagan’s I-League triumph in 2014-15 season and the Federation Cup, the next season. This time, he will be trying to script a victory against his old club for East Bengal.
“I have played so many derbies. Every derby is a different match, but I’ll have a special feeling this time. I am so happy and excited to face Mohun Bagan. I respect them, but I’m focusing on this match as an East Bengal player,” said the Japanese, Saturday.
Press Trust of India
