THE BLOG BY CPD FOOTBALL | The World of Indian football and beyond by Chris Punnakkattu Daniel

Raghu Nandy demands immediate response after opening day loss

Mohammedan Sporting manager Raghunath Nandy. (Photo courtesy: Mohammedan Sporting Club)

Mohammedan Sporting Club manager Raghunath Nandy acknowledged his side were not on par with ATK Reserves following their 2-0 defeat in 2018/19 Hero 2nd Division League opener on Saturday afternoon at Kalyani Stadium.

Black Panthers were beaten after a convincing display from ATK Reserves, who created the greater chances and looked threatening each time they poured forward, and Nandy admits his side were a level below their counterparts in their on-field display.

“They had better energy and better intentions – I think we were a yard away from what they were doing,” he said after the game. “Each time we got the ball we lost it, and they were faster on transitions. When we regained possession, we were not as swift or as quick.”

Nandy noted that set-pieces, from which both of the game’s goals were scored, are a vital component of the game, and hopes his side will be able to bounce back quickly from the loss.

“We just need to go back and re-think what happened today. I believe in the group and I know that they will pick themselves up and respond from this defeat,” Nandy added.

(Mohammedan Sporting Club)