Bengaluru, January 31: Expectations are always high around the two Kolkata giants. The environment is quite demanding and as far as this season of the Hero I-League is concerned, Mohun Bagan would have desired more. But all is not over for the Green and Maroon brigade as Nikhil Kadam believes that they 'can still win the title'.

"We can still win the title. We just have to get our basics right and get all 3 points from our remaining games.", he stated in a frank manner. Mohun Bagan have been plagued with draws in matches they should have ideally won but the spirit of the team is not down. Kadam put the match against Aizawl as an example, "Even after conceding against Aizawl we came back strongly and scored immediately. It shows our fighting spirit."

"We missed a few in the first half but played better in the second. We will be working on converting those chances into goals in the upcoming matches", he said stressing on the importance of converting their opportunities.

With Shillong Lajong up next, the Mariners have a tough task ahead but Nikhil dispelled all fears, "It's always difficult up here in the hills also playing here is very tiring. Dicka too got injured but this is a part of the game we play. Hopefully, everyone will be fit and fine before the game against Lajong."

"We have been improving aspects of our game with every match and Head coach Shankarlal Chakraborty has a plan in place", he assured.

On the personal front, he has been delivering well, especially against East Bengal where his eye-catching runs earned praise, but Nikhil's feet are firmly on the ground, "It's due to all the hard work I've done so far, but I missed a couple of chances against East Bengal. Big teams don't give you many chances so it is important that I can utilise them for the benefit of my team and myself. I'll surely try and score next time."

The injury to any player is worrisome to a club, especially when that player is your club talisman, "Sony Norde is a great player and we will certainly miss him. He is a great person to be around and we learn a lot from him."

"I hope he recovers quickly from his injury, but we also have other players in the team who can deliver for the team", he signed off.