By Sayantan Maitra
 

I-LEAGUE Media Team

NEW DELHI: All roads lead to the Yuva Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata this Saturday, as two heavyweights go into loggerheads in the return leg of the Kolkata Derby. The match between McDowell’s Mohun Bagan and Kingfisher East Bengal kicks off at 4:30 PM IST on March 28, but the atmosphere days prior to the big game is as big as ever.

While KEB hotshot and Nigerian target man Ranti Martins feels MMB are a tough nut to crack, MMB schemer and Haitian International Sony Norde feels his side just needs to go with the flow.

Joining in a freewheeling chat with www.i-league.org days before the derby, the two key men of the two respective Clubs share their thoughts on the derby, the team shape, and their fans. EXCERPTS.

PRE-DERBY THOUGHTS…

Ranti Martins (RM): McDowell’s Mohun Bagan are going to be a very tough opponent. They are doing pretty well this season but we are going for the three points and move up the ladder.

A derby is always difficult and is not easy for any of the teams. We both have the fighting spirit, and I don’t think Mohun Bagan are going to be easy to face against. They are a very difficult side. However, like I said, a win is always what we are looking for, but more than winning it is going to be how we play.

We are going to play well and hopefully dominate the ball possession and execute more creative play.

Sony Norde (SN): I am feeling more confident for the upcoming Derby match and the confidence of the team is high as we have started on a winning note by defeating a good side like Dempo, after two-week break. A Derby match is a very different game and we have to play to our potential to win.

The last East Bengal match was my first derby in Kolkata and I was bit excited to play in front of a huge crowd. I was playing as a wing half and my duty was to attack as well as support the defence also. In this derby I would try to give my best for the team and use my potential to the best of my ability and accordingly I have planned with Coach as to what will be the best for the team in the match.

SHAPE OF THE TEAM…

SN: Mohun Bagan are playing excellent football thus far and we have to continue this performance until the last match of the season. We have to plan match by match as all the teams are doing well in the Hero I-League and if we maintain the current form and stick to basics then there is a good chance for MMB to win the Title.

The team is playing as a Unit and have been displaying excellent team game for which the result is evident.

RM: East Bengal are trying and looking to winning three games in a row. So far that has not been achieved, but I believe once we do that, we can be serious contenders to win the Hero I-League. Getting three wins in a row is very important to become the champion, as it gives the much-needed confidence.

We have been creative as well, but the defenders need to step up. The defence has been a bit of a worry and the defending needs to improve as a team. As for me, my plan is to try to do well and improve and score goals in every game as it comes.

My partnership with Dudu is going good, and I am having a good understanding with him in the attack. We are trying to improve our work rate together, and hopefully, I think he’ll be able to get more goals in the league.

FANS…

RM: The Fans are very important for the Club. We look forward to their support in the upcoming derby just like they have always done over the years – being constantly behind us, making the noises, cheering for us, and boosting our morale. I thank them wholeheartedly for their constant support.

SN: The support from our Fans have been enormous and I would urge them to carry on their support to the team in all of the remaining games. I am thankful to the fans that they have been with us in our hard time, when we lost in the Hero Fed Cup and they continued to have faith on us.

It’s because of their belief and support that we are in the top of the table of the Hero I-League.