As Mohun Bagan takes on Shillong Lajong in a Super Cup quarterfinal fixture on Wednesday, Mohun Bagan coach Sankar Lal Chakraborty has asked his players to take Wednesday's match as an opportunity to repay the fans who have supported the side through thick and thin.
"I always say this to my players that Mohun Bagan is not only a club but an institution. Whoever dons the jersey should take pride in representing the club and we'd try our level best to repay the fans who support us through thick and thins", Chakraborty said.
Youngster Raynier Fernandes also retorted in a similar tone. "We get lots of support from the stands irrespective of wherever we're playing. We're looking forward to something similar tomorrow as well. It provides us with a much-needed mental boost and pushes us to give the extra bit of effort on the field."
Lajong staged a spectacular upset story in its previous match where it overturned a two-goal deficit against FC Pune City to fix a date with Mohun Bagan in the quarterfinal. Sankarlal Chakraborty reminded that I-League has gone into the history now and tomorrow's match will be a new game against a redeemed Lajong. "I-League is over. Although we have beaten them in Shillong, it's history now. They have shown their capability against FC Pune City and we have seen how deadly they are, even in the 90th minute. Tomorrow is a new game and we are taking it very seriously."
Meanwhile, he mentioned that a silly mistake might cause a huge dent in the title challenge, hence they'll prefer to take a cautious and balanced approach from the kick-off rather going all-out in the attack.
"It's a knock-out game tomorrow. We have to balance well between the defence and attack. We have to be quick enough to hurl a counter-attack from the defence, on the other hand, we have to fall back without any hesitation while the situation demands. One mistake can shatter the title dream completely."
Shillong Lajong interim head coach Alison Kharsyntiew showed respect for his counterparts but stated that they have come here not just to participate but to win the tie and stage another upset, come what may.
"We believe in ourselves and that's why we have come here. Yes, I remember that we were on the receiving end in I-League at our home. But tomorrow is a different game and we believe in our teamwork to get the mission accomplished once again. We accept the challenge."
Asked about Lajong's fight-back policy that stole the show against FC Pune City, coach lauded the teamwork.
"I believe in teamwork. The cohesive force and the positive energy amongst the boys play the vital role. The synergy among Samuel, Koffi, Sheen and everyone else got the result for us against Pune."
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