The war of words has already begun between the coaches of Mohun Bagan and Aizawl FC before the start of the exciting final of the Federation Cup at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, Guwahati.
Speaking ahead of the match in a pre-match press conference, Aizawl FC coach Jahar Das commented that the coveted West Bengal club has not played up to their mark and can definitely be stopped.
The outspoken Aizawl coach, who himself was an ex-Mohun Bagan player, seems to have been a little too inspired by his team’s victory against the I-League champions Bengaluru FC as he said, “Mohun Bagan is definitely a team to be reckoned like anything. But they have not shown their capacity in league. They have not shown their capacity more than Bengaluru and that Bengaluru has been beaten by us twice. So if Bengaluru can be stopped, Mohun Bagan can also be stopped,”
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Meanwhile, Bagan who are chasing their record 14th Federation Cup title are wary of the Aizawl threat as Coach Sanjoy Sen earlier in an interview has already said that it will be foolish to brand Mohun Bagan as the favourites.
He echoed the same in the pre-match conference where he confirmed that he is in Guwahati with a full strength squad and has a set plan for the North Eastern team.
Who will have more support in the stands?
Both coaches also spoke at length about the venue and as to who will have a better crowd support on Saturday’s encounter. Though neutral, more Aizawl FC fans are expected to storm the stands as Guwahati is considered the ‘Gateway to the North East.’
“Mohun Bagan is accustomed to play under any circumstances, be it empty stands or full house.” Said the Bagan coach Sanjoy Sen.
Jahar Das also agreed on the same and said that Guwahati is indeed a neutral venue and his team too is capable of playing under any circumstances.
Dilemma for Jeje and Jahar Das
Star Bagan striker Jeje Lalpekhlua will be in a dilemma as he will be playing against a team which is based and supported by fans from his hometown.
But ever the professional Jeje seemed indifferent as he said, “I don’t have any pressure here. It’s, in fact, is my dream come true. When I started my professional football career, my aim to play against my state team and tomorrow that’s happening.”
A similar dilemma beholds Aizawl coach Jahar Das, who himself was a Mohun Bagan player. But the coach ruled it as a ‘battle of ethics’ as he said, “I have been paid by Aizawl and I will do my duty.”
