HT Kick Off: Jose Molina: man behind the “soccer machine”
“Good night time,” he stated firstly of what can be his ultimate Indian Tremendous League (ISL) media convention of the season. “Oh, good night time right here is after.” That was Jose Molina on realising that he had addressed the room the Iberian means. He laughed, so did the press corps.
“Preserve calm”
Even after serving to Mohun Bagan Tremendous Big win their first ISL double , Molina was his standard calm self. What was the half-time discuss like after Bengaluru FC had attacked in waves? Molina was the epitome of sangfroid even then. It was the identical like at all times, he stated. “Preserve calm, imagine in your self and revel in.”
It was a trait he had proven by means of the early trough and crest that adopted. Earlier than the match towards Mohammedan Sporting, and after a wobbly begin which included dropping the Durand Cup, Molina was requested if his job was on the road. That was not in his management, he stated, including that he believed in his gamers and in himself. Quiet confidence has outlined his time in India in 2024-25.
And, for many who keep in mind him as ATK head coach, in 2016. Molina had modified virtually the complete beginning 11 within the second-leg of the semi-final and nonetheless bought ATK to guard the one-goal lead towards Mumbai Metropolis FC. Nothing however respect, stated Steve Coppell when our dialog touched upon that forward of the 2017-18 season.
By then, Molina had left probably due to the breakdown in relations between ATK and Atletico Madrid. Mohun Bagan didn’t retain Antonio Lopez Habas after he gained the league protect in 2023-24 however Molina is more likely to keep. .
No discord in change room
It appears proper that Molina stated he would attempt to be the primary coach to retain the ISL cup and/or protect (as mentioned within the final challenge, hopefully, there will likely be one) whilst he takes Mohun Bagan above and past the home scene. Punjab FC beat them 2-0 within the ultimate of the Dream Sports activities Championship’s under-17 competitors however from youth to senior, Mohun Bagan have dominated the season . Their problem in 2025-26 will likely be to be aggressive in Asian Champions League 2.
It’s what Sanjiv Goenka would need . It’s what he has been wanting for the reason that merger in 2020. Soccer golf equipment in India have hardly ever proven this type of ambition.
At some point after calling them a soccer machine, Bengaluru FC coach Gerard Zaragoza stated Mohun Bagan may area two groups. It’s tough to argue with the depth in Mohun Bagan’s roster. However that may additionally create an sad change room, an Armando Sadiku-like state of affairs (following his brain-fade of a celebration, he had FC Goa have parted). Or a public altercation between Cleiton Silva and Oscar Bruzon. But it surely didn’t due to Molina and his employees – the Spaniard has by no means been parsimonious in sharing credit score with them.
The gamers, a few of whom had performed in World Cup finals, believed in us, stated Molina. Additionally they bought the coach’s backing in public. Molina protected Vishal Kaith after his iffy India efficiency. Liston Colaco and Anirudh Thapa couldn’t impose themselves within the ultimate however Molina stated they have been good and have been taken off as a result of they have been drained. It’s due to him that Suhail Bhatt was promoted to the primary group and Dippendu Biswas made 14 appearances this time period.
Bengaluru FC couldn’t translate possession into front-third effectivity. As long as they stayed compact and affected person, Mohun Bagan knew there can be alternatives. There at all times is.
Mohun Bagan, Molina stated, knew Bengaluru would dominate the midfield as a result of they’ve gamers who love the ball. What Mohun Bagan have is a potent assault, a stable defence and a bench that may win matches, he stated. A aim distinction of +31 after the league part is proof.
By bringing on Sahal Abdul Samad, Ashique Kuruniyan, and Greg Stewart after that, Molina bought Mohun Bagan to wrest management. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu exhorted his mates after Jamie Maclaren’s aim however Bengaluru FC didn’t have the legs. There can be no extra surprises on Saturday.
Notice: The Asian Recreation podcast invited me for an episode on the ISL ultimate and Indian soccer. You’ll be able to hearken to it right here.
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