Poor start of the mariners cost 3 valuable points in their opening match in ONGC I-League against Mumbai FC at Barasat Stadium. Mohun Bagan and India captain Baichung Bhutia has asked the team members not to criticize each other in the dressing room after the game is over. Hence, the team will stay away from the ‘autopsy’ on Saturday, after a stunning loss to Mumbai FC by 1-2. The first question in the mind of supporters , fans and members would be very simple ‘what just happened?’

The second ‘And will it show up in other matches as well?’ The i-League has just started and Bagan is already in the lower half after they lost to Mumbai FC 1-2. Mumbai FC scored two goals in first 25 mins while PC Lalawmpuia reduced the margin in the second half. Baichung Bhutia and Jose Barreto missed few opportunities , while Bagan was deprived of a penalty when a Mumbai FC defender handled the ball inside the penalty box. Ex-Bagan Kalyan Chaubey , Sanjay Parte, Subhash Chakraborty played pretty well while the TFA boys and the Bagandefense were far from their best.

After winning the Premier League, the mainers are in the jeopardy of losing 3 points in the home match. One can only hope that the team will turn the table around and will be back in to the winning spree. The blocking long throws-in , feeble shots inside the penalty area, lack of central midfield, slow movements of Baichung and Barreto, misunderstanding within the defenders, and a goalkeeper who was found limping from the 5th minute of the match – all contributed to the poor show.  One can hope Bagan defense will improve from the next match and Shilton should be able to judge the ball well. One also hopes that there will be some movements in the central midfield.

Rice Education is the new cosponsor. MohunBagan has got Rice Education as new cosponsors for I league and Fed Cup. Their logo will be displayed on the sleeves and pants. Of note, NIIT was cosponsor in Kolkata league of Mohun Bagan.It is good to know that many educational institutions are coming forward to be cosponsors. It reflects the fact that the student fraternity is still in love with sports as a whole and Mohun Bagan in particular.

Here we are discussing about the team Mohunbagan in forthcoming 2nd ONGC I-League. MohunBagan has made us proud, winning Kolkata Premiere League for the 28th time. At the moment Green and Maroon flags are flying high but an obvious question is creeping into every supporter’s mind “Yes, we have done it again this year!! But will we be able to carry on this performance which we failed to do last year!”. Now the focus is on I-League, the most prestigious tournament in India, knocking at the door, only a couple of days away. The two most deciding factors to win such a highly competitive league are team combination and reserve bench strength. Now let us throw some light into those aspects from a different angle.

Team combination regarding age of footballers is perfect for our team. We have got Barreto-Baichung who are in their early 30’s and a bunch of young kids who have not yet touched 20 or in their early 20’s. Hopefully this blend of youth with experience will yield well for us in this league. In the recent Kolkata League our team played with good old 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 combination.

     

In i-league probably two of our seasoned campaigners, Baichung-Barreto will play in the striking zone and we have replacements like Lalawmpuia and Branco. In midfield we have Ishfaq, Jr. James, Rakesh, Lalram, Tulunga, Sr. James. We lack in central midfield place where we need an attacking medio who can hold the ball and switch it to both flanks or put a through pass for our strikers as well. Though Rakesh is basically a stopper, he has adjusted himself quite well in his new position, defensive medio and performing well under pressure. Due to injury Ishfaq missed a couple of matches but he and Tulunga, running down the flanks are always soothing for the eyes and a potent threat to any oppossing side. Lalramluah has been a hero for us in the local league. This young fellow has ample potential to be a star. In our defensive third we have Odafa, Deepak, Manju, Habibur and Mohanraj,big names in the galaxy of Indian football. All of them have provided MohunBagan  great service throughout the Kolkata League. Strength of our reserve bench is just awesome.

It has been proved in the local league where in few circumstances,injury problems put some our regular players out in some of the matches, then, players like Kartik Kisku, Rino Anto, Rahul Kumar, Tapan Maity, Anand Vasan made their presence felt significantly during the matches. Fitness levels of our players are quite satisfactory, as they are running for each and every ball throughout the game. Our last line of defense, Sangram has performed consistently well throughout the KPL under the bars. Moreover we have replacements like Shilton and Chirodeep.

So, Mohun Bagan looks all set to hit the ground running in the I-League this year and we are waiting with bated breath for these boys to bring the I League home where it belongs.

 

(Hope we can see this picture in I-League)

 

The fiber statue of the immortal XI players of 1911 Shield winning team was restored today. The fiber statue of the immortal XI players of 1911 Shield winning team was restored today in the junction of Mohun Bagan lane and Kirti Mitra lane. Thanks to counselor, Mr. Atin Ghosh for this effort. Lot of Mohun Bagan fans were present during the occasion. Artist Mintu Pal has created these statues. P K Banerjee, Chuni Goswami, Kamal Basu, Sibram Kumar was present in the occasion.

Among Mohun Bagan officials, Radheshyam Agarwal, Swadhin Mullick, Arup Biswas, and Kasinath Shaw were presetn in the occasion.  Here are some pictures of the occasion:

PICTURE: TRIDIP SHEET

Mohun Bagan lost to TFA in semi finals of Under-19 I league today. Mohun Bagan defeated arch rivals East Bengal in quarter finals 2-1 yesterday. TFA will meet Sporting de Goa in final who defeated Dempo 3-2. The final will be played on September 19th.

Meanwhile trial for Under 15 footballers for Manchester United Premier Cup will be held in club ground on Friday 19th and Saturday 20th September under coach Amiya Ghosh.

Jose Ramirez Barreto, the best foreigner to have played in Kolkata shares with us his philosophy of life, his love for Mohun Bagan and his belief in religion.He is a team man and always believes in God. He thinks it is Jesus who has helped him recover from his bad times. He will be opening an academy in Goa along with Beto. Read details with pictures.

 

 

 

1. It has been almost 10 years since you first set your foot on Indian soil.  How do you think Indian football and our very own Mohun Bagan has evolved over the years?

Indian football has improved a lot. It has travelled a long path since I came. Now the whole setup is a lot more professional, the competition is tougher. Indian football has seen scaled quite a few heights over these years.  My Club – Mohun Bagan has changed a lot too. The professional mindset is in and everybody is trying to improve themselves with each passing day. The brotherhood and togetherness which hold us together is the same as it was and all these make me love my club even more.

 

 

 2. What do you feel about the overall standard of Indian football?

 Kolkata football was dominating when I first came in, now the situation has changed a little bit.  With years Goa came out nicely, they have 4 to 5 teams in I league.  Also there are teams from Mumbai.  The clubs there have become much more professional than before but Punjab is struggling slightly though their infrastructure is very good.  Physical structure, strength of Punjabi players are very good, weather there is good and suitable for good football.  Punjab has all conditions to have good footballers.

        

3. We have seen that the last 9-10 years has seen the emergence of Goa & Mumbai clubs in National league, whilst the Kolkata giants have seen a decline in their supremacy at National stage.  Having watched Indian football from close quarters, how would you reason this out?

See, I feel most of the footballers believe or used to believe that their ultimate goal should be to play in one of the Kolkata clubs – Mohun Bagan or East Bengal. To them, the presence of the name Mohun Bagan or East Bengal would be their hallmark in their CV. Apart from the issue of pride, the Kolkata clubs were the ones who would pay the most. So there were a lot of issues which lured top footballers to this city.

   

 

The clubs from Goa & Mumbai are offering the same money and comfort than the Kolkata clubs and sometimes even more. They are also offering multiple year contracts and hence the players wish to opt for a much more financially secure and pressure free environment. Earlier, the top players used to play either for Mohun Bagan or for East Bengal. This scenario has drastically changed.  From management point of view, I am very much satisfied with the proffesionalism of Mohun Bagan club management.

4. Barreto, many top footballers in India have failed to live up to their billing when they tried their luck at Kolkata clubs. Be it Venkatesh, Selwyn Fernandez or Climax Lawrence… Even Sunil Chettri found his true colors after he left Kolkata, why is this so?

The pressure in Kolkata clubs is tremendous. Both on the field and the fan/media pressure off it.  Here you get very few matches to prove yourself. If you cannot perform within 2 or at the most 3 matches, then you are out! The media is after you the fans are after you. The pressure becomes unbearable and hence many fizzle out. The new players need to get sufficient time to settle down properly. All of them are great footballers. Once they get their feet in, they will dazzle; but they need to be given time.  Usually many players come for one year, get the feeling, finds the pressure tough to handle and goes back next year or after two seasons.  Lot of expectation grows on them.  I have seen Kolkata people more patient on local players than outstation players but saying this I like the spirit of Kolkata crowd.  I really love the crowd here, especially Bagan crowd (laughing). I have hardly seen anything like this before anywhere else.  It reminds me of Brazilian crowd.

5. You have seen many Bengali footballers from close circuits.  Why are there so less Bengali footballers now?  Why is it that players like Lalkamal Bhowmik and Ashim Biswas who started off with a lot of promise fails to sustain their initial flair?

Always Mohun Bagan and East Bengal makes team based on good players from all over India.  History says that a lot of famous players are from outside Kolkata, not many from Kolkata.  So this trend was always there.  About not being able to live up to expectation, this is quite a different problem as compared to the previous one. Here the players become easily complacent and get a laid back attitude. They know that there aren’t too many players to replace them or even offer them competition. I guess this is one of the main reasons for them to fizzle out.  There is no dearth of talent in Bengal.

6.  How to solve this problem? On one hand we have players being unable to cope the pressure of having to perform constantly and on the other we have a set of players who tend to lay back a bit?

This is all about the mental aspect of the game. They will have to change their perception of the game and harden themselves mentally. They will have to raise the bar, their level of expectation and satisfaction. A big contract in a big club should not satisfy them. Buying a stylish motorbike should not be the ultimate satisfaction. They should aim higher. They should also upgrade their standard of living, their food habits etc. Football should help them rise through life, from a small house to a big flat, from ‘chapattis’ and ‘alu’ to better food, from slippers to good shoes! One should constantly aim higher and motivate himself. Look at Baichung! Just look at where high ambition has taken him to!  Players should aim higher and then only can they raise the standard of their game and should never be fully satisfied with themselves.  There is always a scope to learn.  Learning should not stop at anytime. Another important thing, scoring goal is not the only thing in this game.  In many matches it has happened, I have scored a couple of goals but I was not satisfied with my performance while in other days I might have missed easy chances but I was satisfied with my performance as I did what I wanted to do in the game.

      

7. We believe there is lot to learn from you as a footballer, and more so as a person, the way you handle pressure situations, the way you stay calm and composed under crunch conditions, the way you always sport your smile even when the going gets toughest, it enthralls all.  What is your secret behind this?

My family in Brazil consisted of my parents, my brother, and my sister.  However I wouldn’t say that ours was a very close knit family.  We had to set foot on our own at quite a young age.  I left home at 15 years to capital to play.  From 15 to 22, I developed my career at academy at Gremio. Gremio, as you all know is a very, very big name in Brazil.  This academy changed me a lot.  My mentality changed and my thinking changed.  I had played under Luis Phillip Scolari, he was coach of senior team in academy when I was 18 years old.  I started thinking big in academy but somehow during the years when I was developing as a footballer, at one point of time I lost myself. I started leading a very undisciplined life, i visited the pubs and discos quite regularly and i had also taken to heavy drinking. I started sinking and sank quite deep below.  Now when a person starts to sink deep below in the sea and reaches the absolute bottom he finds nothing to cling on to, and at that point of time GOD (Jesus) became my savior. It is HE who extended his hand out and pulled me up to the surface.  I experienced GOD at that point of time. HE came to me and helped me turn a new chapter in my life. It is HE who made me see what the right path is and made me realize my fortitude. I am forever grateful to HIM. It is He who taught me the values of life and told me that everyone is equal. I realized that there is something to learn from each and every person irrespective of where that person stands in his social life. I started treating everybody with equal dignity and respect. After that I became a changed man. I started viewing life in an entirely new way. HIS teachings helped me to tackle my problems very easily.  Now I feel that it is my duty to live through his teachings and carry out whatever He taught me and wanted me to do. So every step I take is up to Him, and it’s his instructions that I carry out.  Then I got married and at 23 I got my first daughter.  My daughter helped me to grow as a father, it was a big responsibility for me, I have to fight for them, I take my profession as a player very seriously.  For me, this is my bread and butter and so I have to give more than 100% for this.  I prepare myself mentally a lot about next match and think about the match.  Usually I like to stay at home and spend my time with my family instead of going out, thus I get lot of time to prepare my mind in peace.

8. Hats off to you Barreto! Really, you are a person to be idolized! Then how did the India chapter, or rather the Mohun Bagan chapter start? When did you decide to bid good bye to Brazil and come to India.

I played in Brazil and then before coming to Mohun Bagan, I was playing in Japan and then suddenly, one day, my friend came and told me – ‘Do you want to go to India? God is giving you this chance! ’ I said to myself – if God is giving me this chance I have to take it! And here I am! I was quite young then… and had a lot of responsibilities too… I got married at 23… became a young father … but I knew how to take care of my responsibilities well…
It didn’t occur to me for once that the infrastructure or football facilities in India is quite different to the places where I spent my earlier life … I just knew that I have to give in my very best and that’s what I did. The fans loved me and I loved the atmosphere at the club. It was just like a close knit family -my family. Every step forward for my club seemed to be a step forward for me… and this feeling never ceased… It’s still the same even today.

9. Having played under a lot of coaches, and having watched others from close quarters… whom would you label as a real good coach – both as a teacher and as well as a footballers friend?

Well, there are quite a few good coaches whom I have seen and played under. I never had any problems with any coach ever. Karim is an exceptional good coach. I had no problems under Subrata Bhattacharya too. He was my first coach in India. I shared a good relation with him. Derek was a good friend too.  I liked Carlos also.

However, I think foreign coaches are better because you will have new things to learn from them.  From their experience, they will teach new methods of practice, new tactics etc.  Their exposure to football is usually more.

10. A bad patch comes in every player’s life, how to get over that?

Yes, I also had bad patch in my life.  Practice is the solution and the zeal to overcome this should come from within.  Look at Baichung, the way he has improved as a player over the last two years is amazing.  What I like about him is how he carries himself and the fact that he does not play with name only.

 

 

 

 

11.  Have you any plans for coaching in future?

Not decided on it yet, but yes I have plans for opening an academy in future, may be in 1-2 years.  It will be in Goa with my good friend Beto.

 

12. What about team’s performance this year?

Our coach is very good, he has build up the team spirit very well.  But our performance in Kolkata league was not consistent.  The graph was up and down.  Some match we played very well and next match our performance was poor.  This should not be in I league.  There the competition is tough and I sincerely hope we overcome all hurdle with help of our coach.

13. What is your favorite Indian food?

Alu chapathi, puri.  I like rosgulla very much and also custard and sweets.  I also love fish curry.

14. We heard you are learning to speak Hindi?  Is it true?

Yes.  "Main thora bol leta hu" (laughing).

15. What is your past time?

I love to spend time at home.  I love reading Bible and listen to gospel songs.

16. Where does your wife wants to go for outing?

Of course, shopping (laughing).

17. Coming back to the current season, how would you rate our team – a perfect blend of youth and experience or too many young players?

We have a pretty good team.  Our coach is very good.  He has blended well junior players and senior players.  We have very good team spirit.  You can see many young guys performing so well, I have good rapport with all of them.  This year team has come from behind in so many matches.  I hope we perform well this year in I league.  Mohun Bagan has not won I league for many years.

18. What do you like to say to your fans who look up to you as God of Mohun Bagan?

(Laughing) I really do not know what to say.  I am so grateful that fans love me so much.  I am not promising anything but I would really like to win the I-league this year and bring happiness to their face.  I know how much the fans love Mohun Bagan and I also know that they have a lot of expectation from me.

19. What are your plans of staying in India?

I am not sure about this.  I have not decided on this.  All depends on my two little girl’s education.  I will decide on this later on.

Thank you Barreto for the wonderful time and sharing with us your philosophy of life and a very best of luck from www.mohunbaganclub.com.  We really loved talking to you.

Thanks to you all.

INTERVIEW: Trinanjan Sengupta, Shiladitya Mitra and Devadeep Ghosh.

PICTURE COURTESY: Achintya Roy (Sangbad Pratidin), Saurav Mitra, Bartaman Patrika, Devadeep Ghosh

 

 

MBSFA won the match against arch rival East Bengal by 2-1 today at Jamshedpur MB-SAIL Football Academy (MB U-19 team) won the match against arch rival East Bengal by 2-1 today at Jamshedpur to reach the semifinal of U-19 I League. The match was played for 50 minutes only on schedule date i.e Monday 15th. Due to poor weather condition the match was postponed on that stage and remaining 40 minutes was played today earlier this morning.
2nd ONGC I league fixture has been declared on Monday, 15th September. Meanwhile Mohunbagan team returned back to Kolkata from Jamshedpur due to some unavoidable reasons and will continue their practice at Mohunbagan Ground for the preparation of I League from Thursday,18th September and the full team will stay at ITC Sonar Bangla up to 23rd of September.

In ONGC  I-LeagueMohun Bagan plays its first match against Mumbai FC on 27th September. The match will be played at  Barasat Stadium. First two round will be played at the same venue. The Kolkata Derby between MB-EB has been scheduled on 25th of October.

Fixture of 1st leg of  matches of Mohunbagan in I-league has been given below.

SEPTEMBER 27 VS MUMBAI FC (BARASAT)
OCTOBER 3 VS AIR INDIA (BARASAT)
OCTOBER 11 VS SPORTING DE GOA (GOA)
OCTOBER 19 VS MOHAMMEDAN SPORTING (YBK)
OCTOBER 25 VS EAST BENGAL (YBK)
OCTOBER 31 VS DEMPO (GOA)
NOVEMBER 9 VS CHURCHILL (YBK)
NOVEMBER 16 VS JCT (YBK)
NOVEMBER 20 VS VASCO (GOA)
?? VS MAHINDRA (MUMBAI)
?? VS CHIRAG (YBK)

Dempo matches may be changed depending on Dempo’s progress in AFC cup
Round 10 and 11 dates will be finalized after deciding on a friendly match for National team
Decision on where matches in Mumbai will be played depends on ONGC I league committte meeting later this month.
 

Mohun Bagan today celebrated its 28th league win in style in the club tent. Club General Secretary Mr. Anjan Mitra hoisted the Green and Maroon flag amidst huge cheer from supporters present in the ground. Barreto, Bhaichung and others players were also present there in the celebration. Club Mascot Baggu was also in the celebration. The supporters were seen dancing and lighting firecrackers. Club officials distributed sweets amongst fans. After winning league for 28th time, coach Kareem now wants to concentrate on I league which will be starting in 10 days from now.

 There will be a residential camp held in Jamshedpur starting from Tuesday which will go on for 10 days. There will be swimming pool session as well as physical training and match practice will be held in Jamshedpur Camp. On Friday a practice match will take place agianst TFA.

Mohunbaganclub.com takes this opportunity to congratulate the entire team on behalf of all the members, supporters and patrons of Mohun Bagan A. C.

SOME PICTURES OF TODAY’S CELEBRATION IN CLUB AND FEW PICTURES OF DERBY MATCH ON SEPTEMBER 12TH.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PICTURE COURTESY: SANGBAD PRATIDIN (ACHINTYA ROY) AND TRIDIP SHEET

Mariners retain the Sahara Kolkata Pemier League 2008-09 as MBSFA wins the third match ina row in U-19 iLeague. In a Derby match, Mohun Bagan shared points with Kingfisher East Bengal. Jose Barreto scored from a penalty after Tulunga was pulled down by Nirmal Chettry in the 24th minute of the game. Edmilson scored the equalizer in the 84th minute from a Freekick as Kima was pulled down by L. James Singh Mariners retain the Sahara Kolkata Pemier League 2008-09. In a Derby match, Mohun Bagan shared points with Kingfisher East Bengal. Jose Barreto scored from a penalty after Tulunga was pulled down by Nirmal Chettry in the 24th minute of the game. Edmilson scored the equalizer in the 84th minute from a Freekick as Kima was pulled down by L. James Singh just outside the D Both the teams got some more opportunities to score.

 

 

One is surprised to see Kingfisher East Bengal goal keeper in the match. One wonders if he knew he was playing football and not wrestling. The player was found hitting players with and without the balls. In one occasion he hit the referee even.

Rakesh Masih was awarded man of the match today.

Mohun Bagan team – Sangram,Rino,Anandvasan,Manju,Mohunraj(Rahul 76′),Tulunga,S.James Singh, Rakesh,Lalrumluaha,Barreto(L. James 82′),Lalawmpuia(Baichung 90′) The players that got booking in the match : Mohunraj-10′,Barreto 20′,Lalrumluaha 28′,S.James 33′,Manju 90′, Baichung 91′

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Jamshedpur, Mohun Bagan Sail Football Academy 2-1 against JCT Academy in 5th JUNIOR (u-19) Football Tournament. This was the 2nd win in a row by MBSFA. Earlier MBSFA won against Salgaokar by 5 goals to 1. MBSFA leads the table of Group D. The academy boys will meet Air India on 12th September 2008. In Jamshedpur, Mohun Bagan Sail Football Academy 2-1 against JCT Academy in 5th JUNIOR (u-19) Football Tournament. This was the 2nd win in a row by MBSFA. Earlier MBSFA won against Salgaokar by 5 goals to 1. MBSFA leads the table of Group D. The academy boys will meet Air India on 12th September 2008.