Srinagar: Happy to walk away with three important points against home side Real Kashmir FC, Mohun Bagan FC coach Jose Antonio said that Mohun Bagan was better side in the game.
In a post match press conference Jose Antonio said that he is happy come out with full three points against a side like Real Kashmir.
“Off course we are happy to have three points against good team and in a good game. Team is very happy and we were better team today. Our aim was to win today and we are now on top of the points table. The conditions were difficult, ground conditions challenging but we had to adapt and play our game. Today we will enjoy this game and then will go back to focus on our next game against Indian Arrows,” Jose said.
About conditions, he said, “It is difficult from where we train .The weather, the conditions are challenging. But then if you want to be champion of India then you have to play in all sorts of conditions, places and against different styles. Today we won this challenge and now focus is to move on and face another”.
“Today it was very good game for us. To win against Real Kashmir which is very physical side and play long quality balls is not easy. They have Loveday, Katebe, Bazie who all are very good on set pieces. We stood there and endured all. When we are winning it is our best game,” he said.
Mohun Bagan coach praises its star striker and high profile signing Papa Babacar and termed it a good game for him.
“It was first start in the league for him and I think he had very good game. He needs time to be fit and is very good player. We all saw how much understanding of game and moment he possesses. He created two good chances and even goes deep when team needs him in defense, does throw ins. He is going to be good signing for Mohun Bagan as the time progress,” Antonio said.
Praises Kashmir crowd
Despite seeing them cheer most of the time for the home side Real Kashmir, Mohun Bagan coach Jose Antonio was all praise for Kashmir fans.
“It was very nice crowd. I think second in second half there were more fans than in first half and they were all very vocal and energetic,” he said.
He said that the way fans of Real Kashmir reacted as there team got corner kicks, reminded him of the Spanish team back home.
“The way fans were cheering and pitch was getting high when Real Kashmir got corner kicks , it reminding me of a Spanish A-Division team of 80’s. The fans knowing the strength of their side sued to get up and cheer whenever team got corner. Same is case with Kashmir fans, they know that Real Kashmir is very good in set pieces and there is chance of a goal. That makes Kashmir crowd a very knowledgeable football following crowd. It was very nice to play here in this kind of atmosphere,” he said.
Real Kashmir FC coach David Robertson also praised the crowd for turning up in big numbers.
Fans watching Real Kashmir Fc vs Mohun Bagan match in Srinagar. Pic KSW
“There should be special praise for the crowd for turning up in huge numbers and turning atmosphere electric. Fans here have huge passion for the game of football,” he said.