‘Mind game utmost important in Derby’

On the eve of the second Kolkata Derby in Hero I-League this season, East Bengal's Katsumi Yusa said factors beyond the field play a crucial role in any football rivalry around the globe as he and his teammates prepare to take on fierce rival Mohun Bagan at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Sunday.

"Derby is always important for a player," said the 29-year-old midfielder. "Be it in India or any other country of the world, a player has to build himself up from within for a derby. A derby is not only contested on the field, the mind game is of utmost importance."

The Red and Gold army must be looking to avenge the 1-0 loss  -- through Eze Kingsley's goal -- in the opening derby. For Katsumi, it's another opportunity to get all the points on offer as he sounded adamant to churn the best out of themselves to solidify club's maiden I-League title. East Bengal (19 points from 10 games) are currently three points adrift of the table toppers Minerva Punjab (22 points from 9 games).

 "I'll say that this is just another 3 points to grab. We'll surely leave no stone unturned to win it at any cost which would strengthen our bait for the title. On the mind game aspect, if we win this leg, we'll square off the deal with Mohun Bagan and it'll surely give us a psychological advantage approaching the next games," explained the Japanese footballer.

Despite being a new signing for the Kolkata giants, Katsumi is an experienced campaigner in I-league and was priced gem of their neighbours up until last season. He said execution of plans would be vital on Sunday as Derby tends to get on your nerve.

"There are always plans, but the execution is utterly important and we need to do that. Things can change quickly in a derby. Touchwood, we have executed our job immaculately in our last few matches and hopefully, we'll continue to do so in the next matches as well, be it the Derby or any other match," the former Mariner said.

Katsumi has always won the hearts of Indian football lovers with his silky skills, visionary passing and midfield dominance but was never regarded as a goal scorer. But times have changed now and the Fukushima-born footballer leads the I-league top scoring chart.

Katsumi said scoring goals is something everyone loves and he is no exception.

"Tell me who doesn't love to score, don't you? Being an attacking midfielder, my job is not only scoring but actually creating more opportunities for the strikers. But I won't mind scoring too along with assisting others to score more goals.

"But it's nothing like that I worked especially on scoring goals prior to this season. It comes naturally to me to take the challenge to the opponent's half. Thankfully, I have found the net this season more often and I won't mind scoring a few more in the coming matches too." he chuckled.

East Bengal signed two major stars in Katsumi and attacking midfielder Mahmoud Al Amna. Much to the delight of Red and Gold fans, both the high-profile signings have not just shone but also forged a strong partnership in attack to start their title bid. Katsumi has nothing but praises for his Syrian compatriot.

"Amna is a terrific team player, I must say. He was the lynchpin of Aizawl FC's title-winning campaign and he's extremely influential in our journey so far.

"Our partnership is really working well and it's actually bringing us good results, that's what is important for us at the end of the day and I hope we can pull off the job at the end of the season too," he said.

East Bengal also roped in another sensational name in coach Khalid Jamil from defending champions Aizawl FC. Katsumi said the gaffer, who is known as man of few words, works closely with the players and helps in getting the best out of them.

"(Jamil is) really thoughtful and effective. He knows his players' limitations and works with them to get the best out of them. He is an astute football manager and an asset to the team whom he manages. I don't think a manager has to be a man of big talks. He wouldn't have won the league last season if it was the case," he explained.