I-League / Mohun Bagan /

Sanjoy Sen wants to forget past success and focus ahead, says I-League has no clear favourites

By TFG Team
December 26, 2016

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MOHUN BAGAN STARTED their pre-season practice today at the club ground ahead of the upcoming I-League season. Speaking to reporters after the session, the Mariners' head coach Sanjoy Sen said that I-League will have no clearly defined favourites.

Asked whether starting practice less than two weeks before the league starts (although most Bagan players have been unofficially practicing under physical trainer Garcia at Central Park for more than a week) will hamper Bagan's chances to be fully prepared for a title run, Sen replied,

"It has to be a collective effort. We're here, our players are here... every season Mohun Bagan play a vital role in the I-League, and that's a good thing. I believe we have what it takes to do it again."

Sanjoy Sen has been a run of winning trophies since 2014 when he won the IFA Shield as the coach of Mohammedan Sporting. After arriving at Mohun Bagan, Sen led them to an I-League triumph in 2015 and lifted the Federation Cup in 2016. Asked whether he could continue the streak in 2017, he said,

"I'm not concerned about what trophies we won. It's definitely something to remember and celebrate for the fans and officials. We need to focus on the season ahead. If we play well, we'll definitely find success. No one can guarantee that we'll be the champions, but that's what we'll always have to work towards."

Sen was also asked whether he thought if only Bengaluru FC and East Bengal could be considered proper rivals for Mohun Bagan in the I-League title race. He answered,

"You can't be sure about that. Bengaluru of course are defending champions, East Bengal have a good team as well. But others are not to be underestimated either. We have Mumbai, Lajong, Aizawl... also teams like Minerva, Chennai City who are coming into the league for the first time. They are going to give their everything and the league will be very competitive."

Bagan play their first match of the league on 7th January at home against Churchill Brothers.