NEW DELHI, January 15: The frequent change in coaches has left the Mohun Bagan players a confused lot. According to some of them, they had a better understanding with their former coach Amal Dutta and his `Diamond' as they had adjusted their game according to his plans.Now they are finding it difficult to switch playing styles and they feel that this would hamper their individual game as well. Bagan had found rhythm with Amal Dutta, but one fine morning they learnt that he was sacked. The charge: Match fixing. The players were shocked because it was a black spot on their performance, too, and seemed disgusted at being dragged into the controversy.
It is believed that the club management did not take the players into confidence before appointing TK Chathunny to replace Dutta. There is nothing wrong with the new coach, but the players are finding it difficult to adjust with him. Cultural difference is one of the major reason behind it. Bagan, consisting mostly of Bengali players, have often been handled
by Bengali coaches and with Chathunny, who is from Kerala, the players find the going difficult. Regional solidarity and favouritism can certainly not be ruled out in the case.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
