ISL 2025-26: Mehrajuddin Wadoo calls for belief ahead of Mohun Bagan SG Showdown

Mohammedan SC are yet to win a game in ISL 2025-26

Mohammedan SC are set to face their Kolkata rivals Mohun Bagan SG in the Indian Super League (ISL). Mohammedan SC will look to turn their fortunes around as they chase three crucial points in their season opener.

Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan Super Giant will aim to continue their good run of form when they lock horns with the Black Panthers at the Salt Lake Stadium.

Ahead of the crucial fixture, Mohammedan SC coach Mehrajuddin Wadoo addressed the media in a pre-match press conference.

Let us take a look at what he had to say going into the clash.

Challenging start to the season

Head coach Wadoo highlighted the challenges the team has faced during this time also followed by them faced in the earlier stages. Mohammedan SC coach stated about a major concern regarding the short time period they had in the preseason that cost them. Despite these challenges Mehrajuddin Wadoo urges belief in his all-Indian squad, as they put up a good fight against Jamshedpur FC.

He stated “For us, the season has been very challenging from the start. We have played pre-season at a very short time. This year, we are playing with the Indian squad. It is not an overnight process. It takes time for the players to get used to each other, team combination, fitness. I think we are in a good zone now. The players are working very hard in training sessions and in the games also. If you look at the last match, obviously we lost the match, but there were a lot of positives. And we are working on those positives. Obviously, where we made mistakes, where we conceded goals, we have worked on those in training. It takes time to make a team and gel a team together. Within time, I think these players will play well.”

“We are looking forward to having a good game against Mohun Bagan SG” – Mehrajuddin Wadoo

Mohun Bagan SG is at a very secure place with consecutive double wins at home. Now the Black Panthers will have a significant challenge as they will face the Mariners at their home.

Mehrajuddin Wadoo said that “We are looking forward to having a good game against Mohun Bagan SG on the 28th. Obviously, it is a good side. The form is also good. It will be very challenging for us, but I think we are ready to put up a good fight. We have to believe in the Indian players. We have the Indian players, but we have a very young squad. Obviously, being a foreigner strengthens a team. But when you are not a foreigner, you have to believe in these players.”

Mohammedan coach backs the team

As the new format of ISL has started the relegation formula started. The team who had the least points among all teams, got relegated to the below division. Addressing the concerns about the relegation, he stated that the club is determined to fight until the end. Also, he spoke about the financial and structural barriers in the league.

As Wadoo said “This season, there are chances of relegation. Mohammedan is a club with a good legacy and history. They don’t want to go to relegation. But we are hopeful that we will make good progress in every match. If you look at other ISL clubs, you will see that the money is available at all times. The facilities are very good. This is very important for the performance. Obviously, we have faced a lot of challenges in terms of salaries and facilities. But the way the players have done it this season, I think it is an incredible job. The players have always shown professionalism. They have never complained.”

Subhajit Bhattacharjee acknowledged Mohun Bagan SG’s attacking threat ahead of the clash

Mohammedan SC goalkeeper Subhajit Bhattacharjee gave his response about the state of the club he also praised the guidance he got from the coach. Subhajit eyes this as personal growth as motivation. He credited the head coach for his constant feedback.

“For me, it is the same. If I play football now, I will have to play football later. This is for my own self-improvement. I have to play well today and tomorrow. The coach really motivates a lot. In the last match and the previous match, we have seen that the coach has always understood where our fault was. So, we are working on that.”

When he was asked about the threat of the Mohun Bagan SG’s attacking lineup with Jamie Maclaren, Robson Robinho and Dimitri Petratos.

He acknowledged as well, “If you look at their upfront players, they all have very good goalscoring skills. Not just Indian or foreign players, all of them have very good quality. We will try to play according to our plan.”

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