Jose Molina reveals two areas of concern ahead of Mohammedan SC clash

Mohun Bagan desperately needs three points to get back on track.

Jose Molina’s Mohun Bagan hope to get back to winning ways in the Indian Super League (ISL) when they face off against Mohammedan Sporting in the first mini-Kolkata derby of the 2024-25 campaign. Coming off the disastrous 3-0 loss to Bengaluru FC, the Mariners need to bounce back with a dominant performance to ease the supporters’ nerves.

Mohun Bagan have conceded seven goals already in the ISL after three games, having one of the worst defensive records in the division.

There is a feeling that the reason for their leaky backline is actually because the midfielders aren’t providing enough protection and the lack of a genuine no 6 who can screen ahead of the centre-backs and stop opposition attacking moves.

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Jose Molina’s comments

Jose Molina was asked if he’s worried about the lack of a natural defensive midfielder troubling the Mariners and if they’re missing Joni Kauko. Jose Molina replied, “We are not missing anyone. We have the players we wanted to have. I’m absolutely happy with the players. They’re working well. I can understand complaints about us conceding goals, we need to improve some things for sure.

“But I don’t think it’s a problem with any players or particular positions. If there are any problems, it’s that we are playing in a different way than last season because Mohun Bagan has a different coach.

“It takes time to understand everything well and to cut down on the mistakes we’re having till now. I know that patience is not something that football people or fans generally have as everyone wants to win. But we have to wait for the matches now.

“Me and my players are trying to win all matches, but sometimes and in some moments, we are not so good. But I’m absolutely happy with the way we are operating, I would be more happier if we had more points, but I’m happy. I’m sure that these mistakes will not happen in moments, but it’s something that can happen at the beginning of the season,” Jose Molina added.

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Jose Molina is facing pressure from fans on his job, especially after Carles Cuadrat’s exit from East Bengal. But he insists on remaining calm about his future, as he quipped: “I have no pressure. I’m not worried about things happening in other clubs. I’m not worried about what can happen here. I’m not worried about a sacking. The only thing I’m worried about is to prepare my team as well as possible for the next match, play a good match, and win. In my head right now, we are accepting nothing other than a victory tomorrow.

“If something has to happen, it’ll happen. It doesn’t matter if I’m worried or not. I’m calm because I’m sure about what I’m doing. I do not doubt that. After that, we might win or might not win, football is football. Some of us might make decisions and it’ll be the decisions of the higher-ups, not my decision. I’m calm and focused on my decisions, not thinking about anything else than that,” Jose Molina further stated.

Mohun Bagan will look to ease the pressure on their head coach with an assertive and clinical performance to defeat Mohammedan SC, as the players know that another bad loss could cause further frustration among the fanbase after a shaky start to the new campaign.

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