Keen to start on a good note: Kotal

The I-League encounter between Bengaluru FC and Mohun Bagan, which ended in a draw, will not bother the Mariners when the sides once again lock horns in the AFC Cup on Tuesday, said Bagan’s full-back Pritam Kotal.

“It’s done. We don’t think about it. We need to start afresh. It’s a new tournament and this will be our first game. We want to start on a good note and we’re working towards that,” said Kotal.

The league tie highlighted Bagan’s defensive approach as they preferred to sit back and used their nippy wingers in Yusa Katsumi and Sony Norde to trouble Bengaluru on the counter. Though it didn’t yield the desired result, Kotal said he didn’t see the team adopting a different style in the AFC Cup game.

“I don’t see a change in our approach. We go out there to win every game and we will maintain that. We play to win. Things could be a little different here and there, but then when you have guys like Yusa and Sony you make the most of it,” said the 23-year-old, who has been called up for the Indian camp ahead of the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers later this month.

The recent rejig in the competition rules mean just one team from the South Asian group (Group E) would make it to the knock-outs. Though Kotal thought it was unfair on the teams, he was sure that Bagan had enough to make it to the knock-outs.

“It’s unfair. We’ve have quality teams here. But then there are things that aren’t under your control and this is one such thing. Qualification will be close since just one team can go through. We will have to ensure we get a good result in the away games and win the home ties. If that can happen, I think we will top the group,” he explained.