What’s the story?
In the aftermath of Mohun Bagan’s shocking defeat to Aizawl FC, questions have been raised as to whether Sanjoy Sen will continue as the manager of the Mariners. The defeat meant that Bagan are currently three points adrift of the surprise league leaders with only a game to go. That means only a mishap by Aizawl in their last game against Shillong Lajong combined with a win against Chennai City in their last game of the season is the only way they can get their hands on the I-League.
While speaking to leading Bengali daily Anandabazar Patrika regarding his future, he said, “If I cannot bring success to the club as a coach, I will leave. The officials know about it as well, I had spoken to them about this a long time back.”
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Even a draw in their game against Aizawl would have given Bagan the upper hand. However, a solitary goal from Zohmingliana Ralte for the home side in the 83rd minute in a game that was marred by dense fog and incessant rain meant that the Kolkata giants drop to the second spot in the table with 33 points, while the North Easterners climbed to the first spot with 36 points.
Also read: "A win for Aizawl is a win for the whole North East," says Renedy Singh
The heart of the matter
After fielding weakened teams in both the Calcutta Football League as well as the AFC Cup, it was clear that the I-League was Mohun Bagan’s first priority this season, and their inability to deliver when needed has drawn widespread criticism.
The coach didn’t hold back either, as he questioned the commitment and professionalism of some of his players. While he did not take any names, it is probable that he referred to the performances of Azhar Malik and Jeje Lalpekhlua, who were shockingly poor at the Rajiv Gandhi stadium that day.
What’s next?
The league title will now be decided on the final day of the season when Aizawl take on Shillong Lajong while Mohun Bagan face Chennai FC. A point will clinch the deal for Khalid Jamil’s side, and ensure that they complete a Leicester City-like fairytale in the I-League.
Author’s take
On the balance of the season, it is probably fair that Aizawl FC should be in the most commanding position to win the title. Their team runs on a budget that equals Bagan superstar Sony Norde’s salary and is filled with youngsters who have the ability to make it big in the national scale.
Sanjoy Sen has brought great success to the club which is based on the banks of the Ganges, but football can be a very cruel and very romantic at the same time and this is a classic example of that scenario.
Also read: Aizawl FC’s transfer budget was 20 times less than Mohun Bagan and East Bengal
