Fresh from the title-winning run in ISL and SAFF Cup, Jeje Lalpekhula has been asked by coach Sanjoy Sen to be "mentally ready" as he gears up for yet another season for Mohun Bagan, who face Salgaocar FC in the I-League football tournament here tomorrow.
"I've told him to be mentally prepared. Balwant Singh has a slight niggle so I've told him to be mentally ready. He signed yesterday only and had a good practice today," Sen said hinting that Jeje may play up front alongside Cornell Glen.
The Mizoram-born Indian forward has been in sublime form winning three titles -- I-League, ISL for Chennaiyin and SAFF Cup -- in last eight months.
Mohun Bagan have also struck a deal with India international Pronay Halder and Sen appeared excited about their star Haitian forward slated to join next week ahead of the derby against East Bengal.
"We now have more options. But still there's some time for the derby. We're not thinking too far ahead. Our focus is to win tomorrow as a loss would certainly be a setback ahead of the big match."
Mohun Bagan began their title defence with a 3-1 win against debutants Aizawl FC.
"It would be good to post another win but it's not easy. The key is to keep on the winning momentum. We will look to create chances.
"I don't want to repeat the mistakes of last match. We had a few defensive lapses which we would look to rectify tomorrow."
"Salgaocar FC are a tough opponents. Last season we had an unbeaten record -- draw (away), win (home) -- against them. They have some big names in their roster we have to play really well as a team."
He further said U-20 recruit Azharuddin Mallick is slated to get a start in the left wing.
Salgaocar coach Malky Thomson said they don't have any specific plan for Glenn.
"We will look to return to winning ways after our (1-2) loss to Bengaluru FC.
