Debjit Majumder's brilliant performance under the bars guided Chennaiyin FC to a very crucial win against Mohun Bagan SG in Kolkata in the Indian Super League (ISL) on Sunday.

Despite going into the half-time break trailing by Joni Kauko's 29th-minute goal, the Marina Machans held their nerves till the final whistle and displayed their collective grit and determination to get the better of the Mariners. Two quick goals by Jordan Murray and Ryan Edwards and a 97th-minute winner from young forward Irfan Yadwad propelled Chennaiyin FC to get the better of defending ISL Cup winners.

After the match, Majumder gave an exclusive interview to indiansuperleague.com, where he shared his thoughts about their crazy win, his performance, and more.

Following their victory against Mohun Bagan SG, Owen Coyle's team jumped to the ninth spot with 21 points from 19 matches, boosting their hopes in their chase for the final playoff spot.

"It was a very important match for our team to continue our chase for the top six," Majumder told indiansuperleague.com.

"The head coach (Owen Coyle) told us to play this match as a final. We didn’t think about drawing at any point, as our target was to get all three points. That’s why we still continued to attack when the scoreline was 2-2 after 90 minutes. Now we are thinking about our next two home games," the goalkeeper said, explaining their mindset throughout the game.

However, the Bengali custodian acknowledged his opponent's strengths and their formidable squad but shared that they were fully aware of the difficulties the Mariners could pose. 

'To date, Mohun Bagan SG are the best team in the ISL," Majumder opined.

"It’s a big thing that we won the game against them (Mohun Bagan SG). When we went onto the pitch, we didn’t think that we were playing against Mohun Bagan SG. We tried to keep things simple and play our normal game as we played against other teams. We know that Mohun Bagan SG are the best team, but we gave our all to get the three points, and we won," he continued.

There is nothing more to prove from my side

 

The 36-year-old veteran shot-stopper, who has the experience of winning the ISL Cup and I-League (twice) under his belt, plied his trade for two of the Kolkata giants, Mohun Bagan SG and East Bengal FC. The veteran was on top of his game, making numerous key saves with his sharp reflexes. Notably, Majumder has recorded 11 saves against Mohun Bagan SG, which is thus far the most by any goalkeeper in a single game in ISL history.

"There is nothing more to prove from my side. I work hard every day in the training and try to give my 200%," emotional Majumder shared.

"There is nothing about being finished; I trust myself, which is the most important. I played for my team and tried to make more saves to fulfil the responsibility that was given to me," he further added.

Chennaiyin FC have gone through several highs and lows during the ongoing season. However, Majumder did not want to think about their previous results; rather, he wanted to continue their winning momentum to bring out something positive from their upcoming two home matches against Jamshedpur FC and NorthEast United FC.

"We defeated Odisha FC but lost against Hyderabad FC in the very next match. it’s football. You have to perform every single day," he said.

"Ups and downs are part of the game. It’s a team game, so everyone has to give their best. Any team can beat you on your off day. We are trying to finish in the top six and qualify for the playoffs, which is our main target," he signed off.

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Chennaiyin FC2023-2024 Debjit Majumder