"We are focusing on winning the league, and every match is important"
- Robson Robinho
The City of Joy was jolted by an
earthquake the day before yesterday that jerked our noisy neighbours off the
top of the league table. It was, therefore, a golden opportunity to seize what
has always been rightfully ours. After all, champions do not depend on fortune
or favour; they rise when the moment demands it, strike when the door opens,
and remind the league why the crown belongs to them.
The entire Mohun Bagan squad
understood the magnitude of the occasion and they delivered. What was once
referred to as a “mini derby,” the clash between the Mariners and the Black
Panthers has now become a visibly one-sided affair, and yesterday evening was
no exception.
As the Green-and-Maroon Faithfuls
celebrated in the stands, attention shifted to the Press Conference room, where
Coach Sergio Lobera broke down a performance that had just reaffirmed our
dominance.
The head coach appeared satisfied
yet measured. “I am happy with the way we played today,” he began, before
pausing and adding, “The only thing we need to improve is not starting to
concede. But there is a good reason we are top of the table.”
When asked about the starting XI and
the changes made, Lobera made his philosophy unmistakably clear. “I gave
opportunities to players who had not played before. They showed they are
hungry. If you want to win trophies, you need a full squad. If you want to win
games, you need players ready to compete.”
That hunger was evident immediately
after the team conceded. Instead of losing shape or composure, the players
responded with maturity. The coach was particularly pleased with that reaction.
“I am very happy with the reaction after we conceded,” he explained. “Sometimes
when you concede against a team like Mohammedan, players rush individually to
score quickly. But we didn’t do that. We kept our style and worked as a team.”
When asked about Dimi’s
contribution, Lobera acknowledged his impact. “I am happy with the performance
of Dimi,” he said. However, he was quick to broaden the praise. “I am happy
with the performance of probably all the players. More than individualities,
the most important thing for me is <b>teamwork</b>. I don’t like to
speak too much about individualities.”
The message could not have been
clearer; this is not a team built on individual brilliance alone. “The most
important thing is teamwork, not individualities,” Lobera reiterated.
Despite the thumping scoreline, the
coach remains grounded. “This is only the start,” he said. “We have a long way
ahead. We can enjoy today, but tomorrow we focus on the next game.”
There was, however, a minor concern.
Robson picked up a muscle issue and had to be substituted early in the match.
Lobera remains cautious but optimistic. “It’s too early to know the situation.
We will check tomorrow or the day after. Hopefully he can play the next game,”
he stated.
Then came the Brazilian maestro
himself!!
Featuring in little more than two
quarters on the pitch, five shots on target, one strike off the woodwork, and
two clinical finishes, Robson showcased pure Samba flair to secure the Man of
the Match award. The rhythm, the movement, the instinct, it was Brazilian
artistry blended with green-and-maroon grit. Yet individual praise did not
interest him.
“I am very happy to score and help
the team. But the most important thing is the three points. We are focusing on
winning the league, and every match is important,” he said.
When asked about his transformation
from previous tournaments like the IFA Shield, the Durand Cup, and the Super
Cup, Robson was candid. “When I arrived, I was not fully fit. I had not played
for a long time in Brazil. I worked hard in training, in the gym, every day to
be ready to help the team. Now I feel totally fit.”
He also acknowledged the competitive
environment among the forwards. “Confidence comes from the coach and my
teammates. Game by game, I am improving. We are a good team with the ball, but
we also need to be strong without the ball.”
On the secret to his success, his
answer was simple: “I always try to give my best in training and in games. When
you work hard in training, you can enjoy the matches.”
This victory was more than just
three points. It was control. It was maturity.
It was reaction.
A team that does not panic after
conceding. A squad where rotation does not weaken intensity. A side which
prioritizes the badge over personal glory.
As Lobera prepares to face his
former club next in what he described as a “Special Game”, the focus remains
unchanged. “More important than personal feelings is preparing the game in the
best way possible,” he said.
The message from this press
conference was unmistakable. This Mohun Bagan side is not just winning. It is
building something disciplined, collective, and hungry.
And if this is only the start, the
rest of the league should take notice.
Joy Mohun Bagan!
