Excelsior Sports Correspondent
Srinagar, Jan 4: A day ahead Real Kashmir FC and Mohun Bagan are set to clash in the summer capital Srinagar during a high voltage I-League match, the coach from the Kolkata giants on Saturday said that they have to adapt their game as playing on artificial turf is very different from natural grass, which they are used to.
However, Mohun Bagan coach Joie Antonio during a press conference here on Saturday said Real Kashmir FC has no advantage over them due to artificial turf and they are ready to face any challenge and bag the points.
“The pitch is not easy. We are used to playing on natural grass. Playing on artificial turf at TRC ground is very different as the bounce varies and makes it difficult to play. But we are ready to face any challenge and bag the points,”Antonio told reporters.
Answering a question whether Real Kashmir FC has an advantage over them due to different pitch and weather conditions, the Kolkata giants coach said that Mohun Bagan is a professional team and can’t give excuses. “The quality of the field doesn’t matter? We are a professional team and we are expected to adapt to different weather and pitches in every competition. Real Kashmir FC doesn’t have an advantage over us and we are ready face them,” he added.
He said playing in diverse weather conditions and pitches help a team to be the best as they get used to play in different situations.
When asked for his tips for budding football players in the valley, he said they should focus during practice sessions and study tactics adopted by top players of the world.
Antonio further said that all the players are excited to play.
On if the team will start with Baba Demora in Sunday’s game, he said, “Football is a famous sport and we don’t think of individual performances and players. But, Baba is an important and experienced player. He has played in top 11 in different teams around the world.”
The coach said that the team has some injury problem, but he is not worried about it.
Mohun Bagan arrived here on Thursday for its upcoming high voltage I-League match against host Real Kashmir FC. Mohun Bagan held its practice session on Friday at Synthetic Turf Stadium TRC, where the two teams will lock horns on Sunday.
This is the second time in two years that Mohun Bagan has come to Srinagar to play an I-League match against the host. Last year, the Kolkata giants defeated Real Kashmir in Srinagar though tasted defeat in Kolkata.
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