Churchill look to clinch title against Mohun Bagan
- 8:34 AM
- By Football Fans Manipur
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VASCO, May 6: Churchill Brothers are preparing themselves for “one big party” even though Technical Director Subhash Bhowmick calls for extreme caution ahead of what is sure to be a clash where they can pocket the I-League title.
Churchill Brothers need just a draw against Mohun Bagan at Tilak Maidan, Vasco, on Tuesday, but Bhowmick feels any plans for celebrations need to be kept on hold.
“We still have a job to do. We still need one point and remember we are playing a difficult opponent in Mohun Bagan,” said Bhowmick.
Bhowmick’s apprehension ahead of the penultimate clash is understandable but almost everyone else believes that the title is there in Churchill’s pocket. Churchill defeated Mohun Bagan 2-0 in the away clash and playing in front of the home crowd should work to their advantage.
“I have told the team very clearly that they cannot afford to take anything lightly,” said Bhowmick.
Bhowmick will, however, be gladdened by the availability of the entire squad. Brazilian midfielder Roberto Mendes da Silva has recovered fully from a thigh strain and will start the game.
The return of the Brazilian midfielder means Bhowmick could revert to a two-striker formation with Sunil Chhetri and Gabonese striker Henri Arnaud leading the strikeforce.
Mohun Bagan coach Karim Bencherifa is comparatively relaxed as his primary aim of saving relegation has been achieved.
When the team kicked off his campaign with nothing in its kitty, there were doubts all around but Bencherifa’s side has responded well to haul themselves out of the relegation zone.
“This is the first match after a long time where the pressure is not on us but the opposition. This is a match where Churchill have all the pressure and we will play with a free mind,” said Bencherifa.
“In a way, this is good for us. I am expecting the team to play good football. Definitely, there is pride at stake for us and we want to improve our position on the points table,” said the Moroccan coach.
Churchill Brothers need just a draw against Mohun Bagan at Tilak Maidan, Vasco, on Tuesday, but Bhowmick feels any plans for celebrations need to be kept on hold.
“We still have a job to do. We still need one point and remember we are playing a difficult opponent in Mohun Bagan,” said Bhowmick.
Bhowmick’s apprehension ahead of the penultimate clash is understandable but almost everyone else believes that the title is there in Churchill’s pocket. Churchill defeated Mohun Bagan 2-0 in the away clash and playing in front of the home crowd should work to their advantage.
“I have told the team very clearly that they cannot afford to take anything lightly,” said Bhowmick.
Bhowmick will, however, be gladdened by the availability of the entire squad. Brazilian midfielder Roberto Mendes da Silva has recovered fully from a thigh strain and will start the game.
The return of the Brazilian midfielder means Bhowmick could revert to a two-striker formation with Sunil Chhetri and Gabonese striker Henri Arnaud leading the strikeforce.
Mohun Bagan coach Karim Bencherifa is comparatively relaxed as his primary aim of saving relegation has been achieved.
When the team kicked off his campaign with nothing in its kitty, there were doubts all around but Bencherifa’s side has responded well to haul themselves out of the relegation zone.
“This is the first match after a long time where the pressure is not on us but the opposition. This is a match where Churchill have all the pressure and we will play with a free mind,” said Bencherifa.
“In a way, this is good for us. I am expecting the team to play good football. Definitely, there is pride at stake for us and we want to improve our position on the points table,” said the Moroccan coach.
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