"The team who can manage difficult moments is the winning team. It is the team who can be called Champions!"-Coach Sergio Lobera
Mohun Bagan are set to host a resurgent Punjab FC this Sunday, April 12, at the Vivekananda Yuvabharati Krirangan. Slumping into this fixture on the back of a three-game winless run, the Mariners find themselves in a "must-win" territory if they hope to keep their championship aspirations alive.
Before the match, Bagan Coach Sergio Lobera appeared in a pre-match Press Conference along with star defender Tekcham Abhishek Singh on Saturday, 11th of April.
When asked about the team's morale due winless run in last 3 matches, Coach Lobera admitted that it affects the psyche of the team when the team are not getting the results they want, but they are mentally fully prepared for the match and a fixture at home definitely helps! He also mentioned that they will be looking to get all 3 points and are very excited and up for the challenge.
Coach Lobera also confirmed that our midfield maestro Apuia has an injury and not fit to play the upcoming fixture against Punjab. This news comes as a big blow as he was the apex element of the Mariners' midfield.
Regarding recent performances, Coach Lobera commented, "I have the best squad in the League. As a coach, I need to take responsibility and obviously, we cannot reach the target with these numbers." He further stated a message he shared with the players - "The team who can manage difficult moments is the winning team. It is the team who can be called Champions! "
When questioned if their star studded attack consisting of Dimi,Jason,Macca,Liston and Manvir where deemed ineffective due to poor ball distribution from the midfield, the coach was quick to defend his midfielders. He blamed the lack of clinical finishing and missing of clear-cut chances as the main reason for the goal drought. He spoke highly about the chances being created but he remains concerned about those not being converted. "We have created the most chances. We have scored many goals in the League. We have the highest scorer in the League.", he said.
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⏰ 12th April’26; 07:30 PM IST
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Tekcham was confronted about allegations regarding the last-minute conceded goal in which many have found fault in his positioning. He replied," I was on an overlap run during which the opponent scored from the counter attack. It was my mistake and I need to improve in the next game."
Regarding the upcoming match, Tekcham said, " On the field, I will play [and give my best]. I don't care about the opponent. It is a very important match and we will try to win it!".
This concluded the pre-match Press Conference. Mohun Bagan readies to face Punjab FC for 3 most-needed points at VYBK with the support of the 12th Man from the stands.
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