It is time for another Kolkata derby in the Indian Super League. This time, East Bengal host Mohammedan Sporting Club at Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday (November 9). Both sides come into this match not in great shape.
Though Mohammedan SC started well by securing four points from their first three games, they suffered three back-to-back losses after that, against Mohun Bagan, Kerala Blasters and Hyderabad FC. East Bengal, on the other hand, are yet to open their account. Oscar Bruzon and his side did secure passage into the quarter-finals of the AFC Challenge League, but their ISL record reads six games and six defeats.
Andrey Chernyshov, the Mohammedan SC head coach, previously in an exclusive interaction with RevSportz, had mentioned how the team management stood by the squad in the tough situations. The management even arranged fun events to boost the morale of the players. The Russian coach had almost a fortnight to prepare for this game. To understand how the Black Panthers have shaped up for this clash and how their morale is, RevSportz reached out to Zodingliana Ralte, popularly known as Adinga, Mohammedan SC’s skipper. Here are the excerpts from the interview.
Back-to-back defeats followed by a long break — how is the team shaping up for the season’s second derby?
Adinga: Yes, after two unlucky back-to-back defeats and the derby (against Mohun Bagan), the coach gave us time to refresh and clear our minds. We’ve returned to training with a fresh perspective, letting go of the past and working hard as we always do. We’re ready for the derby.
As the captain, what message are you giving to the players?
Adinga: We’re lucky to have multiple leaders in the squad, which makes it easier for us. We know our roles and continuously motivate each other on and off the pitch, which creates a positive atmosphere. It’s not just about what I say. It’s about how we all contribute as leaders.
How challenging is it to keep the team motivated during a losing streak?
Adinga: It’s tough; you need to motivate yourself before inspiring others, especially after consecutive losses. But we’ve let go of the past, and we’re determined to bounce back strong in the league.
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Your thoughts on the coach and his approach. What’s been the focus during these two weeks?
Adinga: Our coach has been fantastic, helping both the team and individual players improve since last season. He’s demanding on the field, but incredibly kind and friendly off it. He’s reminded us that winning and losing are part of the game and encourages us to play confidently, just like before.
The club management has been proactive during these tough times, arranging activities for the team. How did they support you after the Hyderabad match, and what have they done to keep the morale up?
Adinga: The management is our backbone. They understand the ups and downs of football, so they organised gatherings for Diwali celebrations to lift our spirits. That break was really helpful, and now we’re ready to face the challenges ahead.
Thoughts on Joseph Adjei missing this important clash…
Adinga: Joseph has been crucial for us since last year, but injuries are part of the game. We’ll miss him, of course, but we have others ready to step up and play their part, which shows the depth and readiness of our squad.
How do you assess East Bengal? While they haven’t won yet in the league, they’ve performed well in the AFC competition.
Adinga: They have a new coach and a fresh philosophy and their players are among the top in the country. We’ve trained hard and are prepared to face any challenge.
Can you describe the experience of playing against Mohun Bagan at Salt Lake Stadium? How did the atmosphere differ from Kishore Bharati?
Adinga: The atmosphere, the feeling, and the pressure at Salt Lake were entirely different, especially for a derby. Despite the loss, we gained valuable experience from that game. Now we’re even more prepared to play in that kind of environment.
What’s your message for the fans?
Adinga: It’s been a challenging start for us as a newly promoted side, but we’ve shown that we’re a capable team, and we’re gaining experience with every game. I have confidence in our squad, and to our fans, I want to say: no matter the outcome, we’ll give it our all in every match. Fans are being supportive for us from last season, they boosted us in so many ways. Please keep supporting us.