Singaporean heavyweights Tampines Rovers today said they start as 'underdogs' against reigning I-League football champions Mohun Bagan in the AFC Champions League qualifier here tomorrow.
"Definitely we are the underdogs and Mohun Bagan are the favourites. This is a new season we are starting," Tampines Rovers head coach V Sundramoorthy told a news conference on the eve of their Preliminary Stage 1 match.
"I am very impressed with Katsumi (Yusa)... He is a hard working player besides being technically good. Also I think the striker, Cornell (Glen) can score if given space in the box."
Without a silverware for last two seasons, the S-League runners-up have rejigged their squad, retaining just five players from last season.
"The defence and the goalkeeper needs to gel. This is natural when it comes to a new team. I am happy we can play in front of many fans and that won't be intimidating," Sundramoorthy.
Making their intention clear, 'The Stags' coach said they're aiming high in the ACL where they've never qualified into the main stage.
"You can see our ambition. We signed Jermaine Pennant so we want to do good in the AFC Champions League," he said about the former Arsenal winger who will not be available tomorrow.
"Playing away from home is tough but we are prepared and we hope we can play a good game against Mohun Bagan. If you put in a good performance and you have a bit of luck, we can make our way through.
Mohun Bagan coach Sanjoy Sen said he's eyeing a milestone moment when they face Tampines Rovers.
"Pune, Bengaluru had lost in ACL so yes this could be a milestone. I was focusing first on the I-League but now my target is to win all tournaments I take part in," he said.
"At the end of the day, we have to look back and see how much we have given on the field. We have already discussed about the lineup and I have made it a point to talk about the importance."
Sen said they would start on a watchful note first, gauge the opposition before stepping on the gas.
"We are prepared... I have told my boys that this is a challenge to play in the ACL since this is the first time we are playing in it. So we need to uphold the name of our club in the ACL. As a coach too, I want to do well since this is my first continental tournament."
Giving an injury update to their players, he said: "Bikramjit Singh, Pronay Halder and Balwant Singh are doubtful starters. Lenny Rodrigues is still injured. Dhanachandra Singh who received a match injury is also doubtful. So we need to undergo the training session today and then assess."
Mohun Bagan star forward Sony Norde, who was instrumental in their I-League triumph, also stressed on the importance of the premier continental meet.
"The tournament is very important for us, as well as the club. If we win tomorrow it will be an achievement for Mohun Bagan. As players we need to take this seriously and give 100 per cent.
