Jose Molina promises to try and make fans happy by sealing another Kolkata Derby win

Jose Molina’s Mohun Bagan are in top form, winning all their group stage matches.

Jose Molina’s Mohun Bagan are set to face off against East Bengal in the first Kolkata derby of the 2025-26 season when they face off in the quarterfinals of the Durand Cup 2025. The Salt Lake Stadium will play host to what should be a thoroughly entertaining battle between the two in-form Kolkata giants.

Jose Molina is fortunate enough to have a 100% win record against East Bengal since taking up the Mohun Bagan job. That’s why he isn’t surprised to see his side get the ‘favourites’ tag for this game, as he spoke about that ahead of the clash.

“It’s not a problem to be expected to win. We understand the expectations of our fan,s and we know they expect the best from us, ” said Jose Molina.

“We are going to give them our best right now. They are expecting us to put a good match and of course to win the match, and everyone is telling me for the last few days to win the derby. I know the expectations and we’ll do our best, we’ll try to win and make our fans happy again,” he also added.

Also Read: Mohun Bagan vs East Bengal Preview, team news, lineups & prediction | Durand Cup 2025 quarter-final

Jose Molina on Mohun Bagan’s form ahead of Kolkata Derby

When asked if his Mohun Bagan side is at their sharpest for this upcoming derby and their finesse compared to East Bengal‘s, Molina explained.

“Maybe I can see we’re not at our best physically, but I don’t’ see too much difference from them and us. Maybe they had 7-8 days more than us in training, maybe that could be an advantage, but it doesn’t result in a big difference,” Molina stated.

“I understand tat this is the Durand Cup and is an official tournament that we want to win, no doubt. But this is a preseason match and we’re not convince that we’re not going to see the best Mohun Bagan. I’m sure we won’t see the best East Bengal, it’s not possible at this moment. Both teams will try their best, but our real best is not possible right now because we are still in preseason,” he also quipped.

Importance of winning the Kolkata Derby

Finally, the gaffer spoke up the importance of winning this derby ahead of the start of the AFC Champions League Two tournament for Mohun Bagan.

“For us, it’s important to win tomorrow because it’s a derby and it’s always important for us to win that kind of matches. We are fighting and training to win a trophy and that’s important for the club as well, ” Jose Molina explained.

“In the current Indian football situation, we have to pay ACL 2 match in September. And it’s important for us to have more matches under our belt to prepare in the best way to play in the ACL 2. That is why winning the game tomorrow is so important,” he finished off with.

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