4 Things East Bengal and Mohun Bagan can bring to the ISL 

The 'Kolkata Derby' will have a place in the heart of Indian football as long as the ball rolls in the country. Even after the introduction of a glamorous league like ISL, the derby between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan mostly played out in a relatively less-hyped league like I-League, has been drawing huge number of spectators.

The very recent 3-2 victory of the Red & Gold over Bagan was just a preview of the rivalry and enthusiasm that has been prevailing between the two clubs for nearly 100 years. Every football pundit in the country will have just one wish in this changing phase of Indian football - to never end this age-old derby.

With so much of the game played around the country these days, many predicted a decline in the interest for East Bengal-Mohun Bagan match. But it is now reassured that history will remain untouched.

The rumours about an ISL-I-League merger has been on the cards for some years now. But recent media communications from the All India Football Federation (AIFF) hints more about the inclusion of the two Kolkata giants into the Indian Super League. Just as the management of both these clubs, the eyes waiting for this entry are not less.

Whether the possibility will turn into a reality has to be watched, but what this can mean to the football circuit can be discussed now. Here, we take a look at 4 things East Bengal and Mohun Bagan can bring into the ISL:

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#4 More Competition

A click from one of those derby days in the books

It's not just about East Bengal and Mohun Bagan. By the addition of two new teams to ISL, the league will be more competitive as there will be more matches played and viewers involved.

At present, a trend of roping in the highly talented players from I-League to ISL is seen. Improper practices like this can be reduced to a point with the coming of twelve teams. If the two additional teams are established like East Bengal and Mohun Bagan, there will be chances opened upon.

This will also be another step in the process of developing ISL into a full-fledged league like most others around the world.

#3 Spectators

In the 2017-18 season of I-League East Bengal had an average attendance of above 17000

Indian Super League has not gone down in popularity since its beginning 5 years back. But there is a worry on the number of fans coming into the stadiums to watch their heroes compete against each other.

After an average attendance of 25000 in the first season, a rise was spotted in the very following year by around 2000 viewers making the figures 27000. However, 2016 had an attendance of only 21000 people per match. Last season, when the number of teams was made 10, the figures fell to just 15000. But this decline is of the home support of the already existed clubs.

The two clubs that were introduced - Jamshedpur FC and Bengaluru FC had huge support, ending the season 2nd and 3rd respectively in terms of average season attendance.

Hence, new clubs would mean new viewers coming into the stands. When its well-established clubs like the Kolkata giants, spectators come as a guarantee. In the 2017-18 season of I-League Mohun Bagan had an average attendance of above 15000 at their home ground. East Bengal had the upper hand with support of around 17000. This is more than the attendance of 6 ISL clubs.

Thus, there is no doubt on the increase of stadium figures that these two clubs can offer ISL.

#2 Professionalism

Sankarlal Chakraborty - Head Coach, Mohun Bagan

Every season has brought about some positive changes in the ISL. One thing that has been stressed on for the last one or two seasons is the professionalism of the clubs.

Not sure of a reason, it is evident that a number of clubs taking part in the league, fall short in this criteria. The attitude of the club right from the signing of players to match day activities can change the overall view of the side. A great example of this is Bengaluru FC, who has been redefining and bringing about notable changes to the football in India.

Experience plays a part in the management of the clubs and framing the professionalism. If the East Bengal and Mohun Bagan managements become part of the ISL, the years of experience in the field will surely help them succeed outside the playing area.

They will have the perfect strategies to draw crowds and interact with the community apart from the 90 minutes of the game.

Hence, a much-needed aspect of football missing in India can be developed by the two in ISL.

#1 The heat of Derby

The Kolkata derby draws in huge crowds

This is the biggest factor that no other football clubs in the country can bring to the football grounds of ISL - 'The Big Derby'. Being a part of FIFA's Classic Derby List, ISL will only have benefits on this factor.

For a new and young league like ISL, to have a century-old history would mean a big thing. To host this match would be a great occasion for the league. The two clubs too won't be affected as the ISL fixtures let every team face each other twice a season, thus maintaining the number of times the two sides lock horns.

In a league that follows semi-finals, a knockout match between these two teams will make things interesting.

Having the emotional attachments of football pundits of Kolkata, a major share of oppositions to this cash-rich league can be limited by this move. Thus, more than the clubs waiting to make this move, the league holders will be the primary benefiter of East Bengal and Mohun Bagan entering the Indian Super League.