Field Vision

Tomorrow is the Kolkata derby. A match every East Bengal and Mohun Bagan fan waits for. Legends say there is no underdog or a favourite in this game. But is it really the case at least this time?

On one side, there is Mohun Bagan, who have started firing their cylinders. Jose Molina took time to settle in but seems to have finally got the setup he wanted. They recently thrashed Mohammedan SC 3-0 in the other derby. And now they have East Bengal, who currently languish at the bottom of the Indian Super League 2024-25 table. An easy opponent at such a juncture for the Spaniard’s side.

On the other hand, there is East Bengal. Six losses in a row. Four in the ISL itself. A new coach, who is yet to arrive. An Indian interim manager whose methods splashed a sprinkle of hope on the faces of the fans. Very less goals scored. Top scorer of last season suffering a recurring injury. Club skipper not in form and perhaps might be shown the door in January. Top assist-provider of last season not being used well. First-choice goalkeeper not performing well. A team low on confidence.

So, Mohun Bagan are undoubtedly the favourites, and as a result, East Bengal the underdogs.

What should Mohun Bagan not do?

We don’t have a pro license which Jose Molina has. A person with a brilliant tactical acumen doesn’t need to know from a random writer what he should do to win the derby. But of course, since we have a better knowledge of Kolkata maidaan and also Indian football, we will offer a piece of advice to the 54-year-old.

“Don’t take East Bengal lightly. They are not as weak as they look.”

East Bengal might be the underdogs but have the pedigree and also the hunger to turn the tides. This match will be their best opportunity to get back on track. The team has everything. Only a win can help restore the morale and start kicking things around in style.

Moreover, East Bengal, under Bino George played some good football against Jamshedpur FC in their last outing. They could have won the game too. They had a fair share of chances in the clash. If they choose a similar ‘direct’ strategy against Mohun Bagan, and deploy Souvik Chakrabarti to guard Greg Stewart, Molina’s side will face many problems.

Stewart was given a free role against Mohammedan SC, something which helped him play his natural game. He likes to hold the ball and help the team build the game and maintain the possession. Such a style allows the forwards, in this case Manvir Singh, Liston Colaco and Jamie Maclaren to position themselves better. If he is bottled, Bagan are in problem.

Oh yes, Maclaren. The most dangerous striker in the ISL 2024-25. Even Mohun Bagan fans don’t know how threatening he can be. He sniffs chances and eats them like a glass of mango juice. But again, East Bengal can’t man-mark him. Not possible! Then what do you do? You just don’t allow him to get the ball!

What should East Bengal not do?

You see, football is a tactical game. But also a psychological sport too. If you enter the pitch thinking you will be defeated, for sure no one can save you. Staying cautioned is one thing. But getting afraid is totally different.

“Don’t be afraid of the Mariners. If you do so, you have already lost the game before it starts.”

East Bengal’s direct football approach against Jamshedpur FC was lauded by a section of fans. However, slight changes should be brought in. Firstly, press and win the ball higher up the pitch. It will take them less time to reach the Bagan goal. Secondly, keep a tight check on Stewart or Dimitri Petratos, whoever starts. If the supply line is blocked, half of your problems are sorted.

Thirdly, target the central zone. Attacking Mohun Bagan from the wings with PV Vishnu and Nandhakumar Sekar is like trying to extinguish the Great Fire of Rome with a can of coke. No need. If Apuia and Anirudh Thapa play, attack them through that region. Use Madih Talal, PV Vishnu and Saul Crespo for this, while Jeakson Singh and Souvik Chakrabarti perform the defensive duties. This is the region which can be exploited in easy fashion. The entire objective should be to win the midfield battle. In modern football (there are exceptions), the team which wins the midfield battle, ultimately emerges victorious.

Which team will I choose as the underdogs and the favourites for this game? I’m an old-school person. So… there are no underdogs and no favourites.