By Sayan Sengupta, Kolkata: Mohun Bagan Super Giant endured a mixed campaign last season. The Mariners suffered an early exit from the Durand Cup after losing in the quarter-finals, but they managed to bounce back strongly by defeating arch-rivals East Bengal in the historic IFA Shield final.
Read Bengali: কলকাতা লিগ নিয়ে কতটা আশাবাদী দীপেন্দু বিশ্বাস?
However, the momentum did not continue in the Super Cup, where Mohun Bagan failed to progress beyond the group stage. The focus then shifted to the Indian Super League (ISL). Although the team started the season positively, they later dropped crucial points in several important matches, including a setback against Mumbai City FC.
The single-leg format of the tournament made the title race even more competitive. Despite winning their final match after coming from behind, Mohun Bagan could not retain the ISL crown, as East Bengal FC secured the title on goal difference.
Now, the Mariners are looking to put last season behind them and focus on regaining their rhythm in the upcoming campaign.
Reserve Team Begins CFL Preparations
As part of that preparation, Mohun Bagan’s reserve side started training for the Calcutta Football League (CFL) from Wednesday evening. Several players caught attention during the opening session, including Raj Basfore, Tanmoy and defender Dipendu Biswas.
Dipendu, who did not receive many opportunities with the senior team during the previous ISL season, is expected to play an important role in the CFL campaign under coach Bastab Roy.
The Indian defender featured only in a handful of matches during the ISL, Durand Cup and Super Cup last season. However, the coaching staff reportedly has high expectations from him heading into the new campaign.
“We Want to Become CFL Champions”
After the team’s first training session, Dipendu Biswas expressed optimism about Mohun Bagan’s chances in the Calcutta Football League.
“We have not won the CFL title for many years. But we are hopeful that this time we will perform well and become champions,” he said while speaking to reporters.
The defender also highlighted the balance within the squad and stressed the importance of guiding younger players in the team.
“Our team has many good and experienced footballers. At the same time, there are a few juniors as well. We will try to motivate them,” Dipendu added.
Big Expectations From Young Players
Mohun Bagan’s management and coaching staff are expected to use the Calcutta Football League as a platform to evaluate young and fringe players ahead of the bigger domestic competitions later in the season.
For players like Dipendu Biswas, the CFL could prove to be a crucial opportunity to earn regular game time and push for a stronger role in the senior setup.
With preparations already underway, the Green-and-Maroon brigade will now look to end their long wait for another Calcutta Football League title and build momentum for the upcoming season.
