With the tussle between Bhaichung Bhutia and Mohun Bagan Club showing no signs of drawing towards a close, the club’s other heavyweight player Jose Barreto seems to be redrawing his plans for the coming season. Although Barreto still strongly believes that Bhutia’s term at Bagan is far from over, the Brazilian striker wants to switch his position and go upfront, keeping in mind that after all, Bhutia isn’t keen on carrying on.

In the coming season, Barreto wants to take up a more upfront position instead of playing the usual withdrawn role he is otherwise known for. And he has this plan up his sleeve keeping in mind Bhutia’s possible absence and the role of Edeh Chidi.

Barreto and Bhutia have always been known for their slightly contrasting roles during their stint with Mohun Bagan. The Sikkimese Sniper has been known for covering the 22-yard penetration zone, while Barreto used to play a withdrawn role, covering a wider area behind the striker and doubling up as the feeder. Under the changed circumstances, Barreto now wants to discard the withdrawn role and rather looks to focus on the lone striker’s job in the coming months. In fact, the mercurial Brazilian footballer began his career with Mohun Bagan as a striker 11 years back.

Barreto explains that the reason why he is comfortable with going upfront is because he can bank on Edeh Chidi to don the withdrawn role. Speaking to The Indian Express yesterday, Barreto said: “I observed during the last I-League that Chidi was quite enjoying playing the manoeuvre game using his excellent passing ability and close-in ball control. He seemed to be enjoying this role more than the typical striker’s role. Keeping that in mind, I can operate both as a typical striker as well as a withdrawn forward, according to the needs of the situation.”

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