McDowell Mohun Bagan’s prolific Midfiielder Yusa Katsumi has been a major pillar in Bagan’s prowess in the Hero I-League this season. A day prior to Bagan’s crucial encounter with Royal Wahingdoh FC, the Japanese star spoke to www.mohunbaganac.com over the present season, the challenge ahead, the present squad and much more. We bring you excerpts from the interview. You can read the full interview on http://www.mohunbaganac.com/news-detail/mohun-bagan-player-interview-katsumi-yusa-4186

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Mohun Bagan is currently leading the table and also the clear favourite to win the title. What are your feelings?
 

We have reached the top of the table due to a lot of efforts and hard work from everyone involved with our team - the players, coaching staff, officials and the supporting staff as well. However, to win the title, we have to keep doing what we have been doing since the start of the season - to work hard and play as a team. We still have a few tough games coming up and we have to be extremely committed and focused to get good results from the remaining matches.

 

Mohun Bagan will be playing 5 consecutive away games. How many points do you think Mohun Bagan requires from these away games in order to win the I League? What according to you is the "magic number" to clinch the title from all the remaining games?
 

Obviously, the aim of the entire team will be to win as many games as we can. We will go into each match wanting to win it. As you said, we have 5 consecutive away games coming up, which are extremely important for us. I feel if we can get 18 points from the remaining 8 games, we should be able to win the I-League.

 

Though you played majority of the games in central midfield last year, this year you have been used mostly in the flanks. Are you enjoying playing in this position?

 

I am enjoying myself playing on the flanks this season, which has helped me become a better and more versatile player.

 

Do you feel it will be beneficial for the team if you play in central midfield, as then you can combine in a better way with Sony Norde who is operating down the left flank?

 

At the end of the day, it is the result that matters. So I am comfortable in playing in any position which the coach thinks is best for our team.

 

Which has been the best game of Mohun Bagan this season?

 

Winning the I League derby and defeating Bengaluru FC (4-1) comfortably at home have been the best games for us.

 

Which has been your best game this season?

 

I would select the 4-1 victory against Bengaluru FC and the 4-3 away win against Shillong Lajong to be my best games this season.

 

Your comments on our Chief Coach Sanjoy Sen.

 

 I have tremendous respect for our Coach, Mr. Sanjoy Sen. He works so hard every day with the team and the results are there for all to see.

 

Your comments on our 3 other foreign recruits - Pierre Boya, Sony Norde and Bello Rasaq.

 

In this season, all the foreign players have gelled well with the rest of the players of the squad. The club has treated all of us in the best way possible and this has helped all the foreign players to settle down quickly and let the results on the pitch speak for themselves.

 

Who has been the most impressive young player of Mohun Bagan this season?

 

We have many young players at the club who have bright future ahead of them as long as they keep working hard. So, it will be a bit unfair to name 1-2 among so many talented ones.

(Interview & Image courtesy: www.mohunbaganac.com)