Defence key in Bagan run

Leave aside winning, Mohun Bagan could manage only three points in their first five games of the 2009 I-League.

But the tale had a twist when they went on to win nine games in a row. The green-and-maroons thus scripted an I-league record bettering arch-rivals East Bengal’s eight successive victories.

“People say that our start was not good, but I beg to differ. We were already playing the Kolkata League. So, the players were mentally and physically tired,” said Mohun Bagan coach Karim Bencherifa.

But what attributes to their remarkable run? Credit goes to Bagan’s strike force comprising captain Baichung Bhutia and Brazilian ace Jose Ramirez Barreto. But, what needs to be considered is that their defence along with ‘keeper Sangram Mukherjee who conceded only two goals in the nine wins. “Let me put it this way - to win games you need to score, but to win trophies, you have to defend well.”

Karim believes that the return of few of his key players like Marcos Pereira and a more settled squad has taken them to the top of the table. “The return of the few key players after recovery has really helped,” he adds.

Karim though says that his team has silenced critics who say they are an ageing side. “It looks like a three-horse race with Sporting and Churchill, but nothing can be predicted in the I-League,” said the Moroccan.

With a woeful start that saw them going down to freshers Mumbai FC in some horrid conditions. To taking away the lead from Sporting Clube de Goa with a slender 1-0 win, Bagan have set the record straight.