Mohun Bagan is not reliant on their foreign players, and need to play good football, to get a win against Tampines Rovers FC, in the AFC Champions League qualifier, feels the club’s Haitian star Sony Norde.
No Indian club has won a single match in this competition, and I-League champions Mohun Bagan would be looking to create history against the side from Singapore, who are still going through their pre-season motions. In fact, the Mariners have the added advantage of four foreign players in their side.
However, Norde does not believe that this is something that would greatly influence the game, and says that the Indian champions need to play good football, in order to progress to the next stage of such a high profile tournament.
“I don’t think it’s about foreign players. It’s about how we are going to do on the pitch, because if we play good football, and if we defend well, I think we are going to win for sure,” said Norde. “But I’m not going to say that [since] we have four foreign players, we are going to play better. We have to prove ourselves on the pitch, and play good football.”
Champions League important for Bagan
Sony Norde echoed manager Sanjoy Sen’s words, when he reiterated the importance of the AFC Champions League to a club of the stature of Mohun Bagan.
“I think the tournament is really important for us, and I think this match is very important for the club. We know with the players and the manager that we have, what is the importance of the game,” said Norde.
“So, we as the players have to take this game very seriously, and give 100 per cent. I think this tournament is very important, and Mohun Bagan have the chance to play this tournament this year. So we have to take this opportunity,” he further continued.
With a long list of doubtful players in the Mohun Bagan squad, after a difficult draw against East Bengal, Norde would have to play a vital role, in order to help Mohun Bagan to a memorable win against the Tampines Rovers.
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