Indian Football & ISL Transfer News
ISL side Mohun Bagan announce the signing of Panagiotis Dilmperis
Kolkata Giants sign former Punjab FC head coach in one year deal.
Panagiotis Dilmperis, popularly known as Panos, has been appointed as the new head coach of Mohun Bagan SG on a one-year contract.
The Greek tactician arrives after an impressive stint with Punjab FC, whom he joined last season following coaching assignments with several clubs in Greece’s first division.
During his tenure, he delighted supporters by instilling an attractive and dynamic brand of football. His tactical acumen quickly turned heads in the Indian Super League (ISL), particularly due to his success in forging a highly competitive unit from a comparatively modest squad of new foreign recruits and emerging youth players.
Beginning of a new era
Rooted in an attacking yet balanced footballing philosophy, the 51-year-old’s greatest asset is his proven ability to build seamless chemistry between seasoned veterans and young talents.
This expertise in squad harmony and development ultimately convinced the Mohun Bagan Super Giant management to hand him the responsibility of managing the team for the upcoming season.
After signing the contract, Panagiotis Dilmperis shared his views with MBSG Media, discussing his footballing philosophy, coaching approach and expectations from Mohun Bagan’s star-studded squad. Here is what he had to say.
“Mohun Bagan is much more than a football club—it is an institution with a remarkable history, a winning culture and one of the most passionate fanbases in Asia.”
“Yes, I believe we have a strong and talented squad with a good balance of experience and quality. Of course, every coach always looks for ways to improve, but my focus is on maximising the potential of the players we have. Success comes not only from individual talent but from creating a united team with the right mentality, discipline and commitment.”
Dilmperis embraces Mohun Bagan SG challenge
The newly appointed head coach also shared his views on the challenge that lies ahead. Panagiotis promised to assemble a team which possesses the desire to win.
“There is a saying, ‘Pressure is a privilege.” At big clubs, expectations are always high, and that is exactly how it should be. The passion of Mohun Bagan supporters is one of the club’s greatest strengths. Our responsibility is to earn their trust every day through hard work, professionalism and performances that reflect the values of this great club. We cannot promise victories every week, but we can promise a team that competes with courage, discipline and the desire to win every match.”
“I have been fortunate to work at clubs with demanding supporters who expected success, but Mohun Bagan is unique. Even before arriving, I understood the emotional connection between the club and its fans. You can feel that this is more than football—it is identity, pride and tradition, which makes this challenge very special, and I am excited to experience that atmosphere first-hand.”
Ready for the Kolkata Derby
Whenever a coach or a player joins Mohun Bagan SG or East Bengal FC, there is an added pressure of performing in the Kolkata Derby.
Speaking about the significance of the Kolkata Derby and his approach to preparing the team for the highly anticipated clash, Panagiotis Dilmperis stressed the importance of balancing emotions with planning and confidence.
“Football is built on great rivalries and the Kolkata Derby is one of the biggest and the most historic in world football. I know what it means to the supporters, to the players and to everyone connected with the club. The best way to prepare for such a match is not with emotions alone, but with excellent preparation, discipline and confidence. We will respect our opponents, but we will also play with courage and with the ambition expected from Mohun Bagan.”
“When you coach Mohun Bagan, the objective is always to compete for every trophy. We respect what has already been achieved because winning consecutive championships is never easy. Now our responsibility is to maintain those standards and continue building a team that plays attractive, disciplined and winning football. Every season is a new challenge and we start with humility, hard work and the ambition to bring more success to the club.”
Message for the Mohun Bagan SG fans
“To all the Mohun Bagan supporters, I know how much this club means to you and I understand the responsibility that comes with wearing these colours. Together with management, my staff and the players, we will work every single day to make you proud. We will need your energy because football is always stronger when the team and its supporters move as one.”
Who is the new head coach of Mohun Bagan Super Giant?
Panagiotis Dilmperis, popularly known as Panos, has been appointed as the new head coach of Mohun Bagan Super Giant on a one-year contract.
Which ISL club did Panagiotis Dilmperis coach before joining Mohun Bagan SG?
Before joining Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Dilmperis was the head coach of Punjab FC in the Indian Super League. He has also managed several clubs in Greece’s top division.
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.
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.