Mohun Bagan boss outlines plans to improve every aspect of his side after Kolkata Derby win
The Green and Marron Brigade defeated East Bengal in the Kolkata Derby
Mohun Bagan SG played a better brand of football for the first 65 minutes of the game as they powered past East Bengal FC in their Durand Cup 2026 opening game.
From the very first zone of the game, the Mariners attacked the opposition’s defence in a very well manner and compact nature, as both the wide areas and the central zone were occupied by the Mohun Bagan players. A single goal from Sahal Abdul Samad sealed the first victory for the Green and Maroon as it was also his first goal in the Kolkata Derby.
But after the game, Mohun Bagan head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis stated about that he had to manage the team in a very different manner after the game as he is looking forward to improving all the areas in his squad for the next game.
“Only one team on the pitch for the first 60 minutes”: Panagiotis Dilmperis looked confident after the win
Mohun Bagan SG head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis looked very positive as he spoke for the team and stated that his side had totally dominated the game, as he was sure that his team played the best brand of football for the first 60 minutes of the game.
“First of all, I have to say congratulations to the players, they tried hard until the 60th minute of the game, there was only one team in the pitch, they tried to execute the plan.”
“But it’s very natural, after only three sessions, three trainings with me, first of all, there were missing quality actions, the quality finishing, the quality crossing, the quality through ball, and this is because, like I said, we just started. Nobody was ready for this game, physically or mentally.”
“After the 60th minute we started dropping back and gave East Bengal space. They became dangerous mainly through long balls and crosses. When you defend so many crosses while you are tired, it is natural that the opponent creates chances.”
Panagiotis aim to improve in every possible area
After the game and a crucial Kolkata Derby win over East Bengal in the Durand Cup 2026 opening game, the Green and Maroon head coach seeks redemption, but not in the winning way, as they look to improve their squad in every possible area from the next game.
“I’m super satisfied from their efforts, I’m not satisfied from the performance, because I know that the play we’re going to play in October, the way, the game we’re going to play in October, is far, far away from what we played today. Even, like I said, for 65 minutes, there was none danger.”
When asked about improving the areas, Panagiotis Dilmperis said that
“All. All, honestly. For winning the trophy? All.”
“I told you, I’m not here to do politics, for me, football is religion. This team, I have expectations, and I think it’s not coming from me, it’s coming from the fans, the owner, and the same from the players. The expectation is that we will play a very fast, modern football, we will create chances, we will score goals, and there is no danger back there.”
High praise for Vishal Kaith
“Vishal is part of the team and that’s his job. He’s the best goalkeeper in India. He made some great saves and that’s why he belongs at Mohun Bagan.”
Sahal Abdul Samad dedicates his first Derby goal to his wife
In the 52nd minute of the clock, Mohun Bagan SG player Sahal Abdul Samad scored the only goal that decided the fate of the game as the Mariners secured their first win in the Durand Cup by beating East Bengal FC 1-0 at Salt Lake Stadium.
After scoring for the team, he dedicated his first Kolkata Derby goal to his wife as he mentioned.
” I would like to dedicate this performance and also the winning goal to my lovely wife who has been with me from the past three years.”
“First of all, we are grateful for the win because it is a derby game And also, coach told us before, every game is a derby for us. So, we worked as a team. We got the goal. It was a team goal.”
I am happy for the team and to help in any way possible. So, we are trying to follow the coach. The more days we get, I think we will be unbeatable. We will keep fighting. With the players, the new coaches and the staff, we are ready to fight for everything that comes in front of us.”
What was the result of the Kolkata Derby in the Durand Cup 2026?
Mohun Bagan SG defeated East Bengal FC 1-0 in their opening match of the Durand Cup 2026.
Who scored the winning goal?
Sahal Abdul Samad scored the only goal of the match in the 52nd minute.
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Rohit Mistri is a sports journalist from Kolkata with over two years of experience in the field. He has extensively covered Indian football, including major tournaments such as the Calcutta Football League and the Indian Super League. His work spans on-ground reporting, match coverage, and in-depth storytelling, along with interviews of prominent sporting personalities. Rohit brings strong communication skills and a deep passion for sports narratives to everything he writes.