As a Churchill Brothers coach, Drago Mamic plotted Mohun Bagan's defeat in the IFA Shield final of 2011, something that will inspire him when he seeks an AFC Cup turnaround for Abahani Dhaka in their match against the Kolkata giants here tomorrow.
The five-time Bangladesh Premier League champions lost to Maziya Sports & Recreation Maldives in the first round and they are yet to open account in Group E.
"We beat Mohun Bagan 2-1 in the IFA Shield final here in 2011. But we can't live in the past," the 63-year-old said today on the eve of their clash against Mohun Bagan at Rabindra Sarobar Stadium.
Without reading too much into their defeat against Maldives Premier League champions, he said: "We lost the first game but it was one where we had 70% possession. But that's how football is sometimes and that is why it is the most interesting game in the world. I hope you all agree because I know that in India there is a lot of interest in cricket, like it is in Bangladesh."
The Dhanmondi-based side won the Federation Cup and BPL under coach George Kottan and since then they have lost five players to Saif Sporting Club and are also missing two key foreigners -- Sunday Chizoba and Lee Tuck.
"This team has changed and we are still trying to find the best possible way to play but we are not weaker than last year," Mamic said.
"Problem in Bangladesh is that our season will start in July. I have requested them to arrange their calendar in accordance with AFC otherwise we will be with a handicap."
Mohun Bagan coach Sanjoy Sen said even as he may rest a few players keeping the I-League derby in mind, his side would still put up their best to garner three points.
"We may rest a few players but the players are focused on winning this match. The boys are motivated to win. We have players who can replace the ones who will sit out. Azhar played 70 minutes the other night and it did not look like he was playing in place of a top player (Jeje)," said Sen.
"Maybe Anas Edathodika will be rested. Pritam Kotal will not play tomorrow," he said.
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