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The last time Khalid Jamil managed a team in a ‘Kolkata Derby’ ended up in a quite humiliating fashion for him. Much-fancied East Bengal was outplayed by a jubilant Mohun Bagan by a 0-2 margin just a year before, by virtue of a brace from Cameroonian striker Dipanda Dicka. But this time, the tactician will be on the others side, instructing from Mohun Bagan’s dugout.
Khalid was sacked by East Bengal after a disappointing end in the last season, failing to win the I-League and even the Indian Super Cup. After being out of action for a few months, the ‘green and maroon’ brigade’ summoned him to revive their season. But the former I-League winning coach is not eyeing at revenge over his ex-club but is focussing on the match and Mohun Bagan.
When asked about the matter during the pre-match press conference, Khalid said, “It’s not about any personal agenda. It’s not about any individual, but it’s only about Mohun Bagan. I’m not thinking like that. The match is very important. But still, we have many matches remaining. However, this is our home match and we need a positive result from it.”
Khalid Jamil was appointed as a head coach of Mohun Bagan earlier this month after Shankarlal Chakraborty resigned from the post. The new coach has maintained a 100 per cent win record winning the first two games in charge, against Minerva Punjab FC and NEROCA FC respectively. Mohun Bagan had a 13-day gap before the ‘Kolkata Derby,’ but the tactician feels has worked in their favour.
“It’s not about any personal agenda. It’s not about any individual, but it’s only about Mohun Bagan. I’m not thinking like that. The match is very important. But still, we have many matches remaining. However, this is our home match and we need a positive result from it,” said Khalid Jamil. Mohun Bagan’s hopes will rest on their Haitian magician Sony Norde with Dipanda Dicka, Henry Kisekka and Omar El Husseiny.
East Bengal also has a pretty strong side, when asked about the strengths of the opposition, Khalid addressed, said, “Just like I said, each and every one of their players is overall very good. Their defence possesses a world-cupper, who is extremely experienced. Their midfield and attack are also great. The domestic players are also very calm and intelligent.”
A win will take Mohun Bagan to a comfortable position in the league although a top place finish is still very unlikely. On the other hand, East Bengal will stay alive in the championship race, if they manage to win on Sunday. Overall, the match promises to be a cracker, keep your eyes glued to the Television, this is the greatest show in the Indian football!
