Five reasons why Kibu Vicuna must try to win the Durand Cup 2019

It will be the season opener for the Mariners on August 2 as they take on Mohammedan SC in the tournament.With the next season approaching on our doorstep, Mohun Bagan's newly-appointed Spanish coach Kibu Vicuna has his eyes set on his first big challenge this campaign, The Durand Cup. The first foreign coach for the Mariners since Karim Bencherifa in 2014, the Spaniard would like to begin his reign with a silverware.

Since taking charge, Vicuna has time and again mentioned how his team is shaping up ahead of the next season, and if everything goes according to plan, the Mariners might start on a strong note. In the following, we discuss five reasons why it is of paramount importance for Vicuna to do well in the Durand Cup.

5. Set up perfectly for the I-League season

While the Calcutta Football League (CFL) will be a longer affair, the Durand Cup, which is set to run between August 2 - August 24, will be a much more important as well as easier platform for any side to win a piece of silverware.

A stellar performance in the tournament will surely go a long way for Mohun Bagan this season, with the I-League following in a month or two after it's completion. If the team performs well, they will surely carry the same momentum into the I-League which will be crucial for the Mariners' success in the league.

4. Win over the fans' trust as the new head coach

Coming in as the new head coach for a club like Bagan is no easy task. The moment you walk through the front gates of the club you understand the responsibility that you have been entrusted with. The fans, management and players look at you as their guiding light, ready to show them the way in the darkest of times. With that kind of pressure you feel that extra urge to perform.

Vicuna is probably well aware by now how passionate the Mohun Bagan fans are about their club. The Spanish tactician has also stated in a previous interview about how he wants the supporters to be "proud of the team" which can only be achieved through good results. Having said that, Vicuna would most definitely look forward to winning the trust of the Green and Maroon faithful during the tournament.

3. Identify the best tactics for the squad

With the Durand Cup 2019, Vicuna would certainly be able to understand his squad better. He would be able to analyze the stregths and weaknesses of this team and decide the roght formation for his squad. All these points are critical to make the correct team selection when the proper season starts.

Being a newcomer to Indian football, for Vicuna, it is of utmost importance to gather as much information about his squad as possible. Every little detail will be pivotal for him in his tenure with the Mariners and can only be determined during a competitve tournament.

Considering the fact that Bagan have been placed in arguably the toughest group in the Durand Cup with ATK, Mohammedan and Navy, a notable result means fans can be hopeful with their newly-appointed head coach in the coming season.  

2. Improve the team morale before the main season

A winning team is always a confident one and in good spirits. They are motivated and eager to prove themselves. They know what it is like to have tasted success and be in the win column. Their morale is always high which translates into their performance.

A seasoned veteran like Vicuna knows its importance. He must ensure that there is no discord among the players, where they are all willing to work together for the develpment of the team as a whole. With four Spanish players in the squad, Vicuna would also be useful in guiding them to play to the best of their abilities. It will also be interesting to see how he utilizes his star signing Salva Chamorro in the Durand Cup.

1. Get an edge over arch-rivals East Bengal ahead of the I-League season

Last but not the least, let's not forget about the most decorated rivalry Indian football has ever seen. A rivalry spanning generations which hasn't lost it's flair one bit.

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The East Bengal - Mohun Bagan rivalry has been the talking point for every football-lover for many years. Ironically enough, these two clubs are tied with their number of wins in the Durand Cup (16).

Considering the number of wins, Bagan would surely be longing to better their city rivals this time around and register themselves at the top of Durand Cup winners' list.