GUWAHATI: Aizawl FC may not be as big a name as Mohun Bagan but they have their own strengths, asserts Mohun Bagan Coach Sanjay Sen. A day prior to the Hero Federation Cup Final between Mohun Bagan and Aizawl FC, Sen spoke about the task in hand, Bagan’s tag as favourites, Aizawl FC’s strengths and fans and much more. EXCERPTS:
Are Mohun Bagan the favourites to win the Hero Federation Cup Final?
I don’t agree. You need to look back at Aizawl FC’s performance against Bengaluru FC in the Hero Federation Cup. You also need to look back at their performance against us in the Hero I-League when they defeated us and halted our unbeaten run. Hence, it will be foolish to brand Mohun Bagan as the favourites. Anyone can beat anybody on a particular day. Aizawl FC will be a tough clash and if want to win, we have to deliver.
What are their strengths?
Football has changed. It’s no more about big names. Similarly Aizawl FC may not be as big a name as Mohun Bagan but they stay united on the field and play together as an unit. It was on display when they accounted for Bengaluru FC.
What else?
They have the ability to score goals. They scored five goals in their two away fixtures. They also have the ability to come out good in crunch situations.
Aizawl FC fans may be packing the stands. Will it be more like an away fixture for you?
Even if it is so (many Aizawl FC fans in the stands) it would not affect us. We are focused on the task at hand and that is to win the Hero Federation Cup.
History suggests that the Federation Cup and Mohun Bagan have been synonymous.
Given that we have won the Federation Cup a maximum number of times the Final match is massive for us as a Club. We won the Hero I-League after 13 long years and we want to present the fans with the Hero Federation Cup Trophy. It will be a good way to end the season with a Trophy in our hands.
How do you assess the performance of your Team in the AFC Cup?
It has been outstanding performance by the Players in the AFC Cup and we achieved qualification with a match to spare. That speaks volumes. The Players are raring to go.
By Joseph Solmon,
AIFF Media Team
