Club pressure giving state teams a tough time

The theory that is gaining ground at Santosh Trophy is that players have been 'advised' by clubs to 'reserve their energy' for Durand Cup, reports Jaydeep Basu.

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With the fans of leading football playing states like Bengal and Goa licking their wounds after unexpected defeats in the ongoing Indian Oil Santosh Trophy in New Delhi, the theory that is gaining ground is that the players have been 'advised' by their respective clubs to 'reserve their energy' for Durand Cup and NFL.

Sources in the both Bengal and Goa camps confirmed that top players of both teams were receiving regular phone calls from their club sides asking them to take it easy and not to stretch themselves to the extent which could lead to injuries. While two Kolkata clubs have been accused of 'keeping track' of their footballers, two Goan clubs are also said to be following similar practice.

Goa coach Marcus Pacheco did not name any particular player, but made no secret of his displeasure. "You have seen how we lost 1-5 against Punjab on Sunday.

“Our boys looked lethargic and unwilling to a point as if they were only going through the motions. We were packed with national team players. What can you do if someone doesn't take pride in playing for the state," Pacheco asked.