EB are ‘psyched’ up
Calcutta: East Bengal’s shock loss against Prayag United in their last I-League match has not only affected their case on the points table, it has also pegged them back mentally.
In an effort to win back the lost confidence ahead of Saturday’s Derby clash against eternal rivals Mohun Bagan, the red and gold brigade have sought the help of a psychologist — Soumitra Chatterjee. On Thursday, the players had an one-and-a-half hour long session with Chatterjee.
“The main purpose of the session was to boost our sagging morale… He told us inspirational stories and asked us to forget about the past and concentrate on the present,” a senior player said after the session.
“We were a bit disheartened after our loss to Prayag United in the last match… So, the club officials arranged a session with the psychologist. He asked us to believe in our abilities and remain confident before the big match,” the player added.
Saturday’s Derby clash would be the third in the season. Bagan have got the better of Trevor James Morgan’s team on the last two occasions. East Bengal, therefore, are desperate for a win. “We are not thinking about revenge. But, we will play our hearts out. We are desperate to win,” Sanju Pradhan said after Thursday’s practice session.
On being asked how the side is shaping up before the Derby, Sanju said: “We were playing well till we conceded a silly goal in the waning moments of the match (against United). We thought we will not discuss the topic with Gurpreet (Singh Sandhu, the ’keeper) since he is a young player… He will under unnecessary pressure if we make it an issue.”
Morgan sounded more cautious as he said: “We will be careful this time… If we lose against Bagan and Dempo win (their match), there will be a nine-point difference between the two sides.”
East Bengal are currently trailing leaders Dempo with 34 points from 18 matches. Bagan are in the third place with 33 points after playing the same number of matches.
Bagan coach Prasanta Banerjee said that his side is ready for the big match. “We have an absolutely fit side… A win will boost our chances in the I-League,” Prasanta said. But Bagan may miss the services of Syed Rahim Nabi. He hurt his hamstring last week in the match against Pailan Arrows.
No comments yet.
Be first to leave your comment!