Right: Anirudh Thapa and Apuia during Mohun Bagan’s senior team’s first training session of the season. Image: RevSportz.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant started their preparations for the Durand Cup with their domestic brigade, under the supervision of assistant coach Bastab Roy. Key Indian players including Ashis Rai, Manvir Singh, Liston Colaco, Deepak Tangri, Apuia, Abhishek Suryavanshi, Anirudh Thapa, Glan Martins and Vishal Kaith were present on Day 1 of training.
The biggest attraction was Abhishek Singh, who joined the Mariners on a four-year contract from Punjab FC in what is reported to be a record transfer deal. Abhishek received a warm welcome from his teammates, as several fans gathered outside the National Centre of Excellence training ground to greet the new player in Green and Maroon.
Speaking after signing, Abhishek said, “I had offers from several top Indian clubs, but I chose Mohun Bagan because I believe it’s the No. 1 club in the country. You get to feel like a champion here. The club’s consistency in winning trophies drew me in.”
Subhasish Bose and Sahal Abdul Samad were among the notable absentees. Both are expected to join the squad later this week.
However, what sparked speculation was the absence of Dheeraj Singh and Saurabh Bhanwala. Dheeraj, whose contract ended in May, is yet to decide on his future. It remains unclear whether he will renew his deal with Mohun Bagan or seek new challenges. RevSportz has already reported that Saurabh is in advanced talks with another ISL club, although the deal is currently on hold due to uncertainties surrounding the upcoming season.
Mohun Bagan’s head coach Jose Molina is expected to arrive in Kolkata before August 3, accompanied by his coaching staff. The club’s foreign recruits are also set to land in the city by the first week of August.
On the opening day of training, the focus was on physical conditioning. The players trained for an hour, beginning with physical exercises and gradually shifting to fitness drills with the ball.
The reserve team trained separately at the same venue following the senior team’s session, as they prepare for the Kolkata Derby against East Bengal on July 26 in the Calcutta Football League (CFL).
Kiyan Nassiri, Dippendu Biswas, and Suhail Bhat are part of Deggie Cardozo’s plans for the derby. They have trained with the reserve side and expected to join senior team training thereafter.
Mohun Bagan have been drawn in Group B of the Durand Cup alongside Mohammedan SC, Diamond Harbour FC, and BSF. The Mariners will open with a high-voltage clash against city rivals Mohammedan SC on July 31.
As part of their ongoing preparations, the team is expected to integrate a few more players from the reserves into the senior squad for the opening fixture. The foreign recruits are expected to be available for selection for the second group match against Diamond Harbour FC on August 9.
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