'The season is far from over,' Mohun Bagan coach Molina after securing the league

Mohun Bagan Super Giant secured the 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) League Winners’ Shield with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Odisha FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata.

The Mariners became the first team in ISL history to successfully defend their title, reaching an unassailable 52 points with three games to spare.

Dimitrios Petratos fired a stunning long-range strike into the bottom left corner in the 93rd minute, breaking Odisha’s resistance and sealing the title-winning victory.

Jose Molina’s side also set a new ISL record with their sixth consecutive clean sheet, underlining their defensive solidity as they lifted the trophy once again.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s head coach expressed immense joy and gratitude after his team clinched the Indian Super League (ISL) League Shield.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, the coach described the emotions of the victory, the team’s journey, and the challenges they overcame.

Absolutely Happy, Absolutely Amazing

The coach opened his remarks with an outpouring of gratitude. "Absolutely happy, absolutely amazing," he said, reflecting on the hard-fought campaign.

"Maybe we suffered too much to score that goal, but football is that way. And in the last moment, we could score that goal. Dimi did a great job, a great shot to give us the title."

He went on to acknowledge the collective effort that made the victory possible.

"I’m absolutely grateful to everybody—from the owner, Mr. Goenka, to the management, to my coaching staff who worked tirelessly. And of course, the players. Without them, nothing is possible. They trusted in me and the message I sent to them, and they worked hard to make this happen," he said.

He further elaborated on the squad’s depth and how every player played a role in their triumph. "To win a championship, it's not just about having 11 good players. We have more than that, but we had to build a team together. Some players might have thought they deserved more minutes, but in the end, they all contributed, and we showed that tonight."

Living with pressure

With Mohun Bagan SG boasting a massive fanbase, the expectations were high. However, the coach made it clear that he thrives under such conditions.

"I have lived with pressure for a long time. From my younger days trying to become a professional player to now as a coach. No one puts more pressure on me than myself. Fans, media, management—nothing compares to the expectations I set for myself."

Reflecting on whether winning the League Shield was more significant than past triumphs, he added, "Every title is special. As a player, as a coach—it doesn’t matter. Every title has the same value because we work for these moments."

Despite winning the League Shield, the coach was clear that the team is not done yet. "We still have two matches remaining, and we are champions. But we must continue. We have more to achieve, more matches to win, and more goals to score. We need to prepare for the playoffs, for the cup. The season is far from over."

When asked about possible squad rotation in the remaining games, he hinted at making calculated decisions. "I don’t know the exact lineup yet, but I will ensure we have a strong team on the field. The only thing I will be cautious about is avoiding suspensions for the semi-finals. We have to be ready for every challenge ahead."

With the Shield secured, Mohun Bagan SG now turns its focus to the playoffs, hoping to add another trophy to their illustrious history.

The journey continues, and as their coach puts it, "We fight for every match, every title, every opportunity."