Sayan Sengupta, Kolkata: Mohun Bagan Super Giant have officially started preparations for the upcoming Calcutta Football League (CFL), becoming one of the first teams to return to training ahead of the new domestic season.
বাংলায় পড়তে ক্লিক করুন: বুধবার থেকেই অনুশীলন শুরু করল বাগান, কী বললেন বাস্তব রায় ?
The CFL is set to begin later this month, and the Green-and-Maroon brigade will be aiming to end their long wait for the title. Mohun Bagan last won the competition in 2018. Despite producing strong performances in recent years and winning the Reliance Foundation Development League, the club has failed to add another major domestic trophy to its cabinet.
This season, the team has begun training under the guidance of coach Bastab Roy, with Nilanjan Guha serving as assistant coach.
Several Young Players Attend Training
A number of promising footballers were present during Wednesday’s training session, including Dipendu Biswas and returning defender Raj Basfore. Players like Roshan and Tanmoy also took part in the session as preparations officially got underway.
Speaking about the early start to training, Bastab Roy explained that beginning preparations in advance would help the squad gain valuable time before the competition begins.
“We started training early so that we can have more time in hand. The players who featured in the ISL finished their season on May 21, so they need some minimum rest. Everything has been communicated to them and they will gradually join the squad,” Roy said.
CFL Could Become Platform for ISL Players
Bastab Roy also spoke about the importance of the Kolkata League for players who did not receive regular game time in the Indian Super League.
“Those who did not play regularly in the ISL now have a platform to prove themselves here. By performing well, they can earn another opportunity to return to the ISL setup. This is beneficial for them,” he stated.
His comments indicate that the CFL could serve as an important development stage for young and fringe players looking to break into Mohun Bagan’s senior squad in the future.
Focus Currently on Fitness and Preparation
When asked about his new responsibility, Bastab Roy avoided discussing long-term expectations and instead emphasized the importance of preparing the players properly for the season ahead.
The Bengali coach made it clear that his immediate priority is to ensure that every player reaches full match fitness before competitive action begins.
With Mohun Bagan eager to regain domestic dominance, the early start to training reflects the club’s determination to build momentum before the new campaign officially kicks off.
