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What's the Story
Kolkata giants East Bengal's 2017/18 I-League season will commence in a couple of days, with the team facing off against defending champions Aizawl FC. But there seems to be a crisis in their camp.
Coach Khalid Jamil and captain Arnab Mondal, it seems, aren't exactly seeing eye-to-eye. In fact, the East Bengal captain was noticeably absent from a team meeting after their practice session at Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata, on Saturday, according to sources.
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In Case You Didn't Know
East Bengal's arch-rivals Mohun Bagan already got their their campaign underway yesterday, as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Minerva Punjab, at the Guru Nanak Stadium, in Ludhiana.
The Red and Golds, who have now gotten a sponsorship from an Italian sportswear firm, are now set to get their campaign underway as Aizawl travel to the Salt Lake Stadium, in Kolkata.
The Heart of the Matter
Arnab Mondal was one of four players absent at the meeting. Md. Rafique, Willis Plaza and Gurwinder Singh were the other 3. They had already left for home by the time Khalid Jamil met the rest of the squad.
The players were recalled immediately to attend the meeting. East Bengal officials were able to get in touch with Gurwinder and Plaza, as the two came back for the meeting. However, Rafique and Arnab were unreachable and did not come back.
What Next?
It remains to be seen whether the rift between the coach and captain will affect the team's performance in the I-League. If East Bengal can clear up the apparent rift between player and coach can be repaired, it could be a perfect opportunity to one-up their arch-rivals, Mohun Bagan.
Sportskeeda's Take
A discord within the dressing room even before the season gets underway, could turn out to be a concerning issue for the club. However, it is not clear as of yet, whether East Bengal captain Arnab Mondal and coach Khalid Jamil have fallen out, or whether it was a genuine bit of miscommunication between the parties involved.
