The 2019-20 I-League is still in its early days but Mohun Bagan are already in dire straits. And on Wednesday at the Kalyani Stadium, they need nothing less than a win against TRAU FC.

Bagan coach Kibu Vicuna’s fate also depends on this match. If Bagan fail to win, Vicuna’s stay at the helm will be all but over.

In the first two matches against Aizawl FC and Churchill Brothers respectively, Bagan created chances but failed to convert those. To make matters worse, their defending also was abysmal.

But TRAU FC give the hosts their best chance to bounce back. Vicuna though is not taking the I-League debutants for granted. “They are a good team but our aim is simple… We have to win the game. TRAU are no pushovers and I am expecting a tough game,” the Spaniard said.

Against Churchill, Bagan’s two central defenders — Fran Morante and Daneil Cyrus — fumbled a number of times and on many occasions it looked as if they were not on the same page with goalkeeper Debjit Majumdar.

“We are working hard to improve our defence. The best way is to work more in training. I agree we have to improve both in defence and offence,” Vicuna said.

Vicuna is likely to make some changes in the starting eleven but the final call will be taken on Wednesday morning.

TRAU will play their second match of the I-League. They lost to defending champions Chennai City 0-1 in the first match.

Coach Douglas Da Silva thinks Bagan will come back strongly. “All the matches will be difficult for us because we are new. We have a young team but we are confident to face anybody. It is a great opportunity for the players to showcase their talent,” Douglas said. Brazilian striker Marcel Sacramento can give trouble to Bagan defence.

Kick off: 5 pm.