“East Bengal capitalized on something that they did not create” – Mohun Bagan coach Clifford Miranda

Mohun Bagan Super Giant head coach Clifford Miranda feels East Bengal FC capitalized on something that they did not create after their 1-3 loss against the arch-rivals in the Kalinga Super Cup in Bhubaneshwar on Friday.

Cleiton Silva scored a brace for the Red and Gold Brigade whereas Nandakumar Sekar continued his good form to score for the club.

Miranda admitted they lost because they could not create chances to find the back of the goal.

“East Bengal capitalised on something that they did not create. We tried to create chances, and we were successful. However, in football, you have to score goals to win. This is what we failed to do today. It was quite unfortunate, but then what can be done? It is football, and that is what always happens. If you do not convert your chances, you are highly likely to concede soon,” said Miranda.

“The penalty turned out to be the talking point of this game. I don’t know why that decision was given- it was quite strange. It may have been on the referee’s blind side which may have prompted him to give the decision. However, I think that it was quite strange that he gave it. I honestly do not know what went wrong there,” he added.

Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan Super Giant registered a 2-1 win against Hyderabad but lost against their arch-rivals. Miranda feels there is nothing wrong with the club.

“I don’t think there is anything wrong with the club as such. Yes (Hyderabad FC almost won against them in the previous game), but we are talking about a different game here. Ultimately, we won that game, and unfortunately, we lost this. I think it is just a phase, and we have to come out of it,” said Miranda.

“I think the new coach (Habas) will bring different ideas with him to the club and that will help us going forward. I hope the team does well under him; that is all we can expect at this point. There are some things we need to work upon, and we will continue doing so,” he concluded.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant will once again take on East Bengal FC at the Salt Lake Stadium on 3rd February.