Arnab Mondal trains with East Bengal reserves ahead of Kolkata derby against Mohun Bagan

Kolkata, December 2: Newly-appointed East Bengal coach Khalid Jamil seems to be preparing for Sunday's Kolkata Derby against Mohun Bagan in a strange manner.

With just a days left for the big match to kick off, the Red and Golds' coach held a practice session without most of his first team players.

Interestingly though, Arnab Mondal, who was unveiled at the I-League launch in New Delhi last month as the East Bengal captain, was made to train with the reserve players, alongside Gurwinder Singh.

The man of less words, @eastbengalfc gaffer Khalid Jamil says the atmosphere is completely different and team has to give his best for #KolkataDerby #MBvKEB #HeroILeague pic.twitter.com/banTt9Ap5r

— Hero I-League (@ILeagueOfficial) December 2, 2017

Jamil seemed very focused on the practice session, as he was said to be upset after his side's draw against his former club Aizawl FC. East Bengal drew 2-2 despite enjoying a 2-0 lead in that game, which prompted Jamil to reconsider his options at the back.

The practice session went on two hours without the presence of their top players, Mahmoud Al Amna, Katsumi Yusa and Willis Plaza.

Katsumi Yusa quips that his heart beats for Kolkata and and this city is always at the top in his list #KolkataDerby #MBvKEB #HeroILeague pic.twitter.com/lD1SxWRIMj

— Hero I-League (@ILeagueOfficial) December 2, 2017

Jamil paried Arnab Mondal up with Gurwinder Singh during the defensive training, indicating the backline he will use on Sunday.

After the training session, the coach took the players to the projector room and individually showed each footballer their mistakes on the big screen.

The legends of #KolkataDerby.

Chants of Jose Barreto and @bhaichung15’s name can be still heard on the streets of Kolkata.#HeroILeague #MBvKEB pic.twitter.com/t6Nu39RKE0

— Hero I-League (@ILeagueOfficial) December 2, 2017

Mohun Bagan also conceded a very late goal in their opening game in the I-League to settle for a 1-1 draw against Minerva Punjab, and will be concerned with their own defence against East Bengal.

With Bengaluru FC playing in the Indian Super League now, both East Bengal and Mohun Bagan will look to win the game to boost their chances of winning the I-League this campaign.