IndianFootball.Com correspondent Nitin Pant today (January 4) had the chance to catch-up with Mohammedan Sporting Club coach Subhas Bhowmick at the clubs team hotel in Delhi about the upcoming 11th National League and the chances his club has in the league.
How's the team shaping up? How well is the team prepared for the 11th NFL?
The team will play good football beyond that I don't know. We will play cautiously and calculative. We are taking this as an away match although the venue is neutral. The ground conditions and Delhi's cold weather are in favour of JCT Mills.
That means your team will be playing defensively tomorrow?
If I do so Sukhi will kill me in the game. We will stop the formidable JCT side, which are dangerous in northern part of the country. I have a simple rule for NFL; to have one point is better than having nothing.
No foreigners are playing in the team. Will it affect the team's performance?
Foreign players do make a difference. Even 'B' grade foreigners make a difference. It's a big setback for us.
What you feel after the team's performance in Durand Cup, IFA Shield and Federation Cup, what is missing in the present squad?
I don't need any foreigner. A fit Baichung Bhutia - any day, any time - is needed in the present squad. He makes the difference. Baichung's sharpness has not been seen in any Indian player including foreigners. Mohun Bagan survived in the Federation Cup just because of Baichung. Hats off to him!
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