By Shoubhik Mukhopadhyay
I-League Media

NEW DELHI: The Hero I-League champions are facing their arch rivals Kingfisher East Bengal in two days.  The Mariners have shown their attacking calibre in their first two outings, having netted seven goals against debutant Aizawl FC and veteran Salgaocar FC. On the other hand, Kingfisher East Bengal have started their Hero I-League campaign in a positive note too with a win against Flaming Oranje for the first time in six years. While the Cornell Glen-led attacking third have started their campaign in a majestic note, defenders have much room to improve their performance. A Kolkata derby is an acid test for every player, let alone the club itself.

Katsumi Yusa, the Japanese game-maker, who was handed the armband against Salgaocar FC and the young defender Pritam Kotal, who’s still basking in the glory of the SAFF Championship, joined www.i-league.org for a candid conversation before the nail-biting Kolkata Derby.EXCERPTS:

Your performance against Salgaocar FC was far impressive compared to the first match. Did the armband do the trick for you?

Katsumi: Oh no (smiles). No footballer can have a great outing every day. Aizawl FC match was our first competitive one after a long time. Yes, I pushed my limits against Salgaocar FC, thankfully got my first goal in early minutes too, that provided me with much-needed confidence. The captaincy isn’t a pressure on me, but yes, it adds more responsibility. End of the day, we’re a team and we’ll stick together.

Pritam, you are the linchpin in Mohun Bagan defence line. How do you handle the pressure, especially after last year’s triumph?

Pritam: It’s all about the current season and we’ve to prove our mettle to clinch the silverware. We have to communicate well in our box to contain opponent strikers. Luciano brings in huge experience in our own half as well. It’s a massive responsibility to play for Mohun Bagan and definitely, there is pressure. We have to handle the pressure and get the job done smoothly.

How’s the Mohun Bagan dressing room atmosphere?

Katsumi: it’s pretty cool out there. We share a jovial relation and there are no boundaries amongst the senior players and youngsters. Frankly speaking, we all get along well in the dressing room.

Pritam: On this point, I would like to take Azaharuddin’s name. The prodigy has proven his worth in the last match. I am sure he would be one of the important players in the years to come.

Cornell Glen has already scored three goals in Hero I-League 2015-16. Sony Norde has joined the team recently. How confident are you of winning this Saturday?

Katsumi: We have been practising well for the last one and half months. The results have come our way in the first two outings. Come this Saturday, it’ll be our acid test and we have to be on our toes till the final whistle.

Pritam, you guys have conceded three goals in last two matches. Another blooper might dash the mariners’ dream on Saturday.

Pritam: it’s not that we were complacent against Aizawl FC or Salgaocar FC. Every day we go out on the pitch to give our best, but you know, we can’t predict the outcome. This Saturday we have to play as a team and win it for our fans across the globe.