'Bengaluru FC very strong, we need confidence': Mohammedan Sporting coach Chernyshov

Mohammedan Sporting head coach Andrey Chernyshov has urged his players to adopt a more serious attitude as they prepare to face Bengaluru FC at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Wednesday.

Mohammedan Sporting are currently on a four-match drought, having suffered three defeats and managed a single draw in their last four games.

As they go up against one of the strongest sides in the Indian Super League (ISL), Bengaluru FC, the gap in quality between the two teams is a significant concern for Chernyshov.

Mohammedan Sporting stand in the 12th spot, just above bottom-placed East Bengal, while the second-placed Bengaluru FC will see the fixture as an opportunity to climb to the top the points table.

"They are very strong. They started the season perfectly. They are on par with Mohun Bagan right now, and given their style of football, they may truly be the best team in the ISL at the moment. They play with style and well-structured sections. They have so many experienced players in their squad," Chernyshov remarked during Tuesday’s pre-match press conference.

'We need to be serious'

Although Bengaluru FC present a formidable challenge, particularly for a team that has conceded 11 goals and scored only three in seven matches, Chernyshov called for a spirited display from his players.

"They are strong, we know this. But we have to play them anyway. We need to be serious in this match, to bring all our effort and give more. We want to play our football. But against a very strong team, we must be more serious. We need confidence. When we played against FC Goa in our second match here, we played well to earn a draw. We want to make a comeback in that style," emphasised the Russian coach.

Chernyshov also framed the match as an opportunity for his players to prove themselves.

"For the players, this is really a good chance. You can play against one of the best teams here and show how strong we are. I believe my players will come with the right mindset and play good football," stated the coach.

'Playing professional football itself a motivation'

However, motivation has been a lingering issue. Mohammedan Sporting have only one win this season, which came against Chennaiyin FC in September. Before the international break in November, they managed a draw against a depleted East Bengal side.

As Mohammedan Sporting resume their campaign with a home game tomorrow, Chernyshov emphasised that playing professional football should be motivation enough for his players.

"We want to show good football in all our matches and achieve positive results. Many people often ask me about motivation, but I do not understand that. We are in professional football. This itself should be motivation for the players," he stated.

Chernyshov also took a vile dig at his players for their lack of intent during practice sessions.

"They are professional players who come to practice every day. They need to feel good about training and be prepared for big matches in the ISL. Motivation should not be an issue. This is not kindergarten. In kindergarten, you can motivate young boys by giving them chocolate and asking them to do something good for it. But in football, it doesn’t work like that. You say, 'We have a match today,' and they need to be ready for it," he remarked.

Will Joseph Adjei play?

Defender Joseph Adjei’s availability for Wednesday’s clash remains in doubt.

Chernyshov revealed that the 29-year-old Ghanaian, who has made five appearances this season and missed several training sessions, will undergo a fitness test ahead of the match.

“If Joseph does well in the test, he will be in the squad tomorrow. But if his physical test is not up to the mark, he will need more time for recovery and preparation,” said the coach.

Should Joseph pass the fitness test and make the starting XI, it would be a significant boost for Mohammedan Sporting.