Calcutta, May 6 :
Calcutta, May 6:
Mohun Bagan's Subrata Bhattacharya has been named Coach of the Month for April by the Asian Football Confederation.
'With Mohun Bagan a point behind Churchill Brothers going into the final day of the season, the former India international masterminded a remarkable 1-0 victory over the leaders in Churchill's home state of Goa, ' the AFC said of Mohun Bagan's recent National League triumph in its release from Kuala Lumpur.
The AFC also lauded Bhattacharya for becoming the first Indian coach to guide his team to two National League titles.
The Mohun Bagan coach, meanwhile, was either not too happy, or, maybe, he was not showing it. Accepting congratulatory messages in characteristic calmness, he said: 'It's definitely a great feeling.'
Bhattacharya felt that the AFC honour was doubly satisfying since he is yet to get any award from the All India Football Federation. He went on to add that he would be happier if he could help Mohun Bagan to some sort of international success.
Asked whether he aspires to become the national coach some day, Bhattacharya snapped: 'I have stopped thinking about all these.'
There was jubilation at the Mohun Bagan tent this evening. 'We have only got the news in the afternoon. But we will definitely felicitate him,' said the football convenor of the club.
South Korean club Anyang LG Cheetahs' goalkeeper Valeri Sarytchev was named AFC Player of the Month. The 42-year-old, who helped his side to the runners-up spot in the Asian Club Championship, was also named the tournament's most valuable player.
Suwon Samsung Bluewings of South Korea was adjudged Coca-Cola AFC Team of the Month following their successful defence of the Asian Club Championship title.





