What does Mohammedan SC need to do in winter transfer window?

The Black Panthers are one of the teams in desperate need of reinforcements.

The 2024-2025 Indian Super League (ISL) season has been a terrible campaign for newly promoted Mohammedan SC head coach Andrey Chernyshov. After being crowned I-League champions following the conclusion of the 2023-2024 season, the Black Panthers were expected to spring up a surprise this season.

However, their performances this season in games highlight the gulf in quality between ISL and I-League clubs. With the January transfer window now open, Mohammedan SC will be looking for life after this season and replenish their squad with signings.

The winter window will be the first step for coach Chernyshov to bolster his squad ahead of the final few games of this season. It can also be an opportunity for MSC to recruit talent and go on a late charge to play in the ISL next season.

How Is the 2024-2025 ISL Season Going for Mohammedan SC?

The Black Panthers’ season has been one to forget. While they’ve managed to secure just one win in their 13 outings, the team have lacked the quality to put up any sort of fight this season. Currently holding the last position in the league table, Mohammedan is a team that has shown small moments of some resurgence before falling short in every game.

The Black Panthers have lost nine games this season, joint worst in the league with Hyderabad FC. Despite staying competitive in games, misfortune and silly mistakes have plagued them from getting any sort of momentum this season. However, with 13 games still left to go, Chernyshov and his men will be keen to leave a good account of themselves.

Despite the challenges, Mohammedan SC will be looking to win some of the remaining few games as they seem to be on the verge of relegation. While the team has shown resilience in tough games, defensive lapses in critical moments and a tendency to falter against stronger opposition highlight the need for new signings.

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How Are the Summer Signings Performing for Mohammedan SC?

Despite making several key additions during the summer transfer window, Mohammedan SC recruits have not thrived under pressure this season. However, some signings have delivered on expectations like midfielder Alexis Gomez and goalkeeper Bhaskar Roy, who have stepped up for the team in crucial moments.

Other signings like Gaurav Bora and Sagolsem Bikash Singh have been inconsistent performers, who have had good and bad moments throughout the season. The addition of versatile players like Lalremsanga and Cesar Lobi Manzoki has added creativity to their play, but performances in the Black Panthers as a cohesive unit have been a cause for concern for Chernyshov.

Defensively, the recruitment of Mirjalol Kasimov, Mohammed Kadiri, and Amarjit Singh were supposed to shield them throughout the season. However, Kadiri was ruled out early from the rest of the season, increasing the pressure on his new teammates to deliver immediately. With the backline continuing to leak goals in games, any positive performance from attackers is not impactful towards achieving results. The team’s reliance on tenured players like Joseph Adjei and Kasimov has underlined the need for fresh talent to share the burden.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Mohammedan SC

With individual talents like Alexis Gomez, Bhaskar Roy, and Gaurav Bora leading the team offensively, Mohammedan SC remains a dark horse opponent in big games. The Black Panthers have a solid fanbase at home and the electric atmosphere they create spurs the team to hold on to results. Possessing young stars like Gaurav Bora and Lalremsanga in their books, Mohammedan have a team to watch out for in the future. 

Mohammedan SC has struggled to maintain clean sheets, with their defence often exposed by long ball-playing and high-pressing teams. Injuries to key players have exposed the team’s thin bench, particularly in midfield and defence. The team has failed to string together a series of strong performances, often dropping points from winning positions. Their recent five-game losing streak exposes their overall inability to find consistency.

What Mohammedan SC Needs to Do in January?

As we enter the January transfer window after the new year, the window presents Mohammedan SC with the chance to address their weaknesses in defence and attack. It presents an opportunity to build a squad capable of competing for the title. Here’s what the Black Panthers need to focus on in January: 

MDSC must prioritize signing a commanding centre-back to shore up their defence. A versatile defender who can also play as a full-back would provide much-needed flexibility and depth. 

The team needs another defensive midfielder who can break up opposition play and intercept opponents from advancing the ball. A player with strong passing ability and stamina would complement their current midfield options. 

While their attack has shown promise, MSC will welcome another player who can create chances in the final third. A playmaker capable of unlocking tight defences with incisive passes can rekindle their lost form in the attacking side of the ball. 

Retaining emerging Indian stars who they have signed will be crucial for long-term success. MSC has a rich history of nurturing young Indian talent, and adding promising players will strengthen the team’s core while aligning with the league’s commitment to developing new stars. 

The January transfer window is pivotal to the Black Panthers’ 2024-2025 ISL campaign. With the right recruitment to address their defensive frailties, MSC can enhance midfield depth, and inject creativity into their attack. The Black Panthers can enhance their chances of pursuing safety and their tenure in the ISL.  With their passionate fanbase and young talent in their ranks, MSC has the potential to make huge waves this season.

If the decisions they make in January pay off, it will not only determine their fate in the league but also set the tone for the club’s future for years to come. For Mohammedan SC, the stakes couldn’t be higher as they look to attempt the great escape this season.

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