I-League 2017: Mohun Bagan stop East Bengal from practising at Barasat Stadium

What’s the story?

Mohun Bagan stopped East Bengal from practising at the Barasat stadium in the morning on Wednesday. East Bengal are all set to face Lajong FC on Saturday and before that, coach Khalid Jamil wanted his players to be accustomed with the ground.

However, when they reached the stadium, they found that Mohun Bagan had already booked the ground for practice, as they would be locking horns with Churchill Brothers on Sunday. As a result, the red and gold brigade had to practise in the afternoon from 4 pm.

In case you didn't know

Last Sunday, Khalid Jamil's boys went down by 1-0 to arch-rivals, Mohun Bagan. The club officials had several meetings with the coach and the team. The supporters too have started expressing their dislike, which is an added pressure. East Bengal are yet to register their first win in this season’s I-League.

The heart of the matter

Khalid Jamil guided Aizawl FC to their maiden I-League title last season. His coaching style received huge praise across the football fraternity in India. East Bengal, hoping to remove their 13-year titledrought, roped in Jamil as their head coach but things did not turn out very well for the team.

Losing the derby by 1-0 was a wake-up call for him surely and if East Bengal fail to claim three points against Lajong, Jamil may even lose his job. In such circumstances, not having the practice ground on time, is certainly another setback.

What’s next?

Only one thing that can silence the critics at the moment for Jamil is a three-point haul against Lajong. It won’t be easy but if the 97-year old club can win the match, then it would be better for the team. Their sole focus should be on winning the match on Saturday.

Author’s take

East Bengal carry a huge history and legacy of Indian football with them. They have supporters from all parts of the country and beyond. They should be able to turn the tables.