Mohun Bagan’s Disciplinary Woes Amidst ISL Title Pursuit
Kolkata’s Mohun Bagan Super Giant has accumulated the highest number of bookings in the Indian Super League (ISL) season, with 22 yellow cards. Two support staff members and midfielder Lalengmawia Ralte are on the verge of suspension.
Head coach Jose Molina acknowledges the team’s disciplinary issues but emphasizes that his priority is winning the ISL, not the fair play trophy. He believes that referees’ decisions are beyond his control.
Molina also expresses disappointment over Mohun Bagan’s exclusion from the Asian Champions League 2 due to safety concerns. He had hoped to prove that an Indian team could excel in Asia but now aims to win the ISL and qualify for the ACL2 next year.
The conversation with Molina delves into his illustrious playing career, including his time with Diego Simeone and Lionel Scaloni. He shares his experiences as a national team coach, where he oversaw Spain’s success in youth tournaments.
Molina believes that tiki-taka has evolved, becoming more direct and less reliant on excessive passing. He also discusses his brief international career, acknowledging that he had the talent for more caps but respects the coach’s decisions.
Despite the past, Molina focuses on the present, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the moment. He credits Greg Stewart’s creativity, Anirudh Thapa’s resurgence, and the defensive partnership of Tom Aldred and Alberto Rodriguez for Mohun Bagan’s recent success.