Jose Molina evaluates Mohun Bagan's opportunities against East Bengal ahead of Kolkata Derby in ISL

Jose Molina’s Mohun Bagan are gearing up for an even contest in the Kolkata Derby.

Jose Molina is going to be involved in his first-ever Kolkata derby when his Mohun Bagan side faces off against East Bengal in the blockbuster Indian Super League (ISL) encounter on Saturday (19 October). The Mariners head into this game at the back of a big win over Mohammedan Sporting and definitely in better form than East Bengal, who have lost all their ISL matches so far.

Despite their considerably better form, Jose Molina refuses to label his side as the clear-cut favorites to win the derby. Before the match, Jose Molina reflected, “It doesn’t matter how teams arrive at a derby. If people think we’re favorites, then thank you very much. It means we are playing well.

“But that doesn’t matter. The most important thing is what we can do tomorrow in 90 minutes or 100 minutes (with injury time). I respect everyone, but we focus on tomorrow’s match and I’ll ensure that we try to do our best.”

ALSO READ: Which key strategies did Mumbai City’s Petr Kratky reveal ahead of FC Goa clash?

“The past is past. It doesn’t matter what happened in the past. The most important thing is for us to focus on tomorrow’s match and forget the past. What happened in the past won’t help us win tomorrow. What will enable us to win is what we can do tomorrow on the pitch. That is what we must focus on,” Jose Molina also added.

The gaffer also voiced his sheer delight and excitement at being part of a Kolkata derby, showcasing his emotions by stating, “I’m excited for this derby. I love to be a part of every game. I’m proud to have come here and to be involved in my first derby tomorrow. I won’t play, of course, I’m on the side. But okay, hopefully, the hours to tomorrow’s game can go faster and we can play as soon as possible.”

“I want my players to enjoy the match, I’ll try to enjoy from the side and help them with everything I can. Pressure is a part of life, but I’m trying to enjoy every day of my life. I’m enjoying myself with my players, my team and everybody. That is all that matters, nothing more,” Jose Molina further quipped.

Finally, Jose Molina also insisted that he has nothing to worry about East Bengal’s threat in the derby, claiming: “I’m worried about nothing. That is football. I’m preparing my team in the best way we can play. We are preparing to win tomorrow, that is it. About the opponent, I can’t do anything. I don’t get worked about those things. I don’t think about other things than how well we can play in the derby,” Jose Molina finished with.

Mohun Bagan will aim to win their eighth ISL derby against East Bengal at the Salt Lake Stadium and climb up the table as they aspire to compete for the ISL league Shield title.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.