Sergio Lobera opens up on what to expect from his Mohun Bagan side before 2025-26 ISL opener

Mohun Bagan are the defending champions.

Sergio Lobera is poised to manage his first game as the Mohun Bagan head coach when they kick off the 2025-26 Indian Super League (ISL) campaign against Kerala Blasters on Saturday (14 February 2026). The Mariners will play their first game in front of the home faithful at the Salt Lake Stadium, with Lobera keen on making a promising first impression with a big win.

Ahead of the match, Sergio Lobera spoke about the prospect of his side having to defend their ISL title with only 13 matches to play this season.

He stated: “Now we are in the moment where we can’t find excuses. We’ve worked really well and I have a very good professional team with very good players, who are doing very good in training sessions. This allows me to be confident for this first game.

“We’re very excited to start the competition after a long wait, and now we need to manage this situation very well. Now we need to show our quality in front of our supporters in the opening game. It’ll be a difficult situation for everyone, but we need to find solutions, be ready and not seek excuses about the reduced campaign,” he also added.

Thoughts on Kerala Blasters’ threat and Mohun Bagan’s sharpness advantage

Speaking about his thoughts on this new-look Kerala Blasters that his side faces off against in their opening game, Lobera explained: “They’ve built a new squad that is absolutely different compared to last season. They’ve signed new players, and we’ve gotten some information from their friendly games played.

“It’s important not to put focus on Kerala Blasters; we have maximum respect for the opponents, but my main job is to be ready with my team. The focus must be on ourselves; we need to know what we need to do. It’s more important to put in the work we need to do than put focus on the opponent. Kerala will compete at the highest level tomorrow, but it’s more important that my team knows my style of play and be ready to play in this way.”

The Spanish gaffer was asked if his Mohun Bagan have an advantage over the other ISL teams due to them being able to constantly train over the last few months.

He replied, “I’ve heard about the thing that we have advantages and that we are the favourites to win the tournament. On paper, there are many favourites, but the main thing is football. We need to prove our quality on the pitch. Before you think about our advantages, I can also feel that we have a very strong team, but we need to prove that on the pitch.

“If we have an advantage in terms of training, it’s because the club did things in a professional way to keep the training sessions going. The reason we have this advantage is because our club has the tools to do this to compete with other opponents. We are a big club and I’m really happy the club continued working even during the difficult times in Indian football. If this situation gives us an advantage, it’s because the club managed things really well,” the gaffer further claimed.

Lobera’s philosophy and style of play at Mohun Bagan

Lobera also reiterated his philosophy and objectives at Mohun Bagan before the 2025-26 ISL opener.

He claimed: “I’ve always encouraged my teams to finish the season on top of the table and prove you are the best team. The playoffs are amazing for the supporters and for us as professionals, as you can win two trophies in one season.

“I won a double at Mumbai City, and Mohun Bagan also won it last season. But to finish the league season on top of the table shows you are the best team. I’d have been excited to play in the playoffs, but finally I can understand the decision for this season. To finish top of the table can allow the team that gets this to boast about being the best team. Hopefully at the end of the season, we can reach this target,” he also stated.

Finally, Lobera simply stated what kind of style of play fans can expect from his Mohun Bagan side, saying: “Of course people know my style of play. I want to win games with more goals than the opponents. I prefer winning 6-2 rather than 1-0 because that is good for the fans and people watching the games. I have to try to find the balance in the team, and it’s my decision around who I select for the first XI,” he finished off.

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