Without Bhaichung,it’s not going to be same again,laments Barreto

Incidentally,Barreto tried to play the peace-broker after Bagan and Bhutia went on the warpath,but couldn’t succeed as the clash of egos superseded everything.

Bagan has replaced Bhutia with Edeh Chidi. And the team’s No 1 marksman is hopeful that he would be a success. “Chidi is a good striker who is dangerous inside the box. The key would be our understanding on the field. This is one aspect we have to work on pre-season,” Barreto said.

Bagan’s pre-season training is expected to start from Thursday at Kalimpong.

As for his own performance,the Brazilian said: “I am not getting any younger. So,I have to work extra hard to make up. I know the fans have a huge expectation from me but pressure brings out the best in me.”

Baggage blues
Meanwhile,there was a hiccup as Barreto’s baggage,reportedly lost in Dubai transit,didn’t arrive today. He may have to wait a few days to get back his luggage.

IFA Shield from Aug 28
The IFA Shield will commence from August 28. The IFA has decided to defer the start of the tournament by three days,but it is likely to be a starry affair with the country’s top teams,along with a club from Senegal participating.

I-League champions Churchill Brothers,Mahindra United,Pune FC and the new entrant in the top tier Lajong SC have already confirmed participation. City giants Mohun Bagan,East Bengal and Mohammedan Sporting are also expected. Chirag United and the winner of Pradyut Dutta Memorial Trophy will complete the list.

Meanwhile,the IFA has denied that its title sponsor,a city-based TV channel,is pulling out. But an IFA insider said that the secretary and the president have requested the channel to continue.

July 29 to be declared Football Day?
The former Mohun Bagan players,who have come under a common umbrella for their fight against the present club administration,have demanded that the club must take initiative so that the state government declares July 29 as Football Day. “July 29,1911 saw Bagan become the first Indian team to win the IFA Shield beating East York Regiment. We will celebrate the centenary of that golden feat in two years’ time. Our forum will request the state government to declare July 29 as Football Day. But the main initiative should come from the club,” former Indian captain Prasun Banerjee said.

He has also put forward a proposal to rename the Maidan metro station after Shibdas Bhaduri.