Jose Molina praises Mohun Bagan players for their efforts to learn 'his way' of playing

The Mariners haven’t had their way when it comes to conceding late goals.

Mohun Bagan Super Giant have had a bit of a shaky defensive record in the beginning of Jose Molina’s era, having conceded an alarming number of goals under him. Before their recent 0-0 draw against Ravshan Kulob in the 2024-25 AFC Champions League Two, the Mariners had conceded nine goals in their last four previous games.

That includes conceding two goals in the 2-2 draw against Mumbai City in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 after they had taken a 2-0 lead in the first half. There have been complaints of the Mariners’ backline not looking as solid as it did under Antonio Habas last season when Vishal Kaith was able to keep nine clean sheets.

Jose Molina insists that his side should be stronger defensively in matches to come as all players are showing considerable source of improvement with every passing day. Before the NorthEast United clash, he said: “I think all the players are getting better. As I said in the past, the players are adapting to a new coach and we have new players too.

“We have to know each other, I have to teach them the way I want them to play. In the start, it’s not easy. They have been trying their best from the first moment, but this adaptation takes time. We are better now, but hopefully, what I expect is that every day we’ll get even better,” he also added.

The Spanish tactician also spoke about the ideal way in which he wants his side to play under him, which includes conceding as less goals as possible. He explained: “We want to try and score as many goals as possible and concede as few as possible. We’ll try and defence in our best. Football is not about attack or defence, in my opinion.

“It’s about the whole, you have to attack, defend, make transitions, prepare set-pieces, and need to have the mentality to fight throughout 90 minutes. The aim is always the same to win matches, score as many as possible, and concede as less as possible. Everything is important to me, one aspect isn’t more important than the other. The whole is important,” Jose Molina also stated.

Mohun Bagan will be eyeing their first clean sheet of the 2024-25 ISL campaign when they face NorthEast United FC and aim to get revenge for the Durand Cup final loss with a big win at the Salt Lake Stadium on Monday (22nd September).

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