On Sunday, September 03, 2023, Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Emami East Bengal will face each other at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in the 'Kolkata derby', to earn the right to be called champions of the Durand Cup 2023. The match will kick off at 4 pm Indian Standard Time (IST). Both teams had a brilliant campaign although most of the matches were very close. East Bengal have already defeated Mohun Bagan once during the group stages so they will be confident enough to go against the dominating Mohun Bagan side in the ultimate clash. Mohun Bagan head coach Juan Ferrando is taking their opponent lightly but mentioned that the trophy will be the main target for them.
What development has Juan Ferrando done in his team before the Durand Cup 2023 Final?
"This is a pre-season for us. We played against very good teams and then went against Mumbai and now we have to play one match more. So our target is trying to do the best. We continue in the same way with the same players. So basically we try to win the Match to win one trophy."
Is Mohunbagan going into the final after a proper set of training?
"It's the same because we have no training with them, they are recovering now just that they are really training for the team. No, I think training at this moment is only after the match recovery training, match, and recovery all the time. So we are on the same level. I hope after the final, this is my intention after the final, we can start the process and work in the normal training without matches."
What's the difference between the earlier loss against East Bengal and the upcoming Final?
For me, the past is the past. All the time we explain every month is different and the situation is against us. Now I think I'm happy because the players straight to the group stage of the very, very, very important for us. You know I took it. We are happy because we reached the final. It's a pleasure to play the final, but it's totally different situation than the last match against them. This is a real target for us," the Mohun Bagan coach Juan Ferrando said.
"The thing is when you learn about the mistakes this time to training sessions to improve these days. But without training, I know it's the most important for me who be ready because in the last 10 days they played four matches. These players are playing in 90-90 minutes. So it's difficult to work in this situation because it's only recovery and it's not possible to work in training sessions. So we will accept this and repeat it after the final. I thought we'd be ready for the practice the next week. It's a normal situation with all the teams. Obviously, we can change some things or improve some details," he added.