Mohun Bagan Super Giant have been one of the most successful and consistent teams in the history of the Indian Super League (ISL) over the last couple of years.

The Kolkata giants proved their mettle since their inception in the league, having reached the playoffs in each of the four seasons they played in.

The Mariners were crowned ISL League Shield winners last season, finishing the ISL 2023-24 campaign at the summit of the points table with a record 48 points from 22 matches. Under the guidance of experienced head coach Antonio Lopez Habas, considered one of the most successful coaches in the league, Mohun Bagan SG demonstrated their offensive prowess and defensive cohesion, being nearly unbeatable in the second phase of the league.

Moreover, the ISL League Shield winners also reached the ISL Cup final last season, where they lost to Mumbai City FC, which dashed their hopes of completing the domestic treble.

The Mariners finished as runners-up in the recently-concluded Durand Cup 2024. Notably, it was the first assignment for newly appointed head coach Jose Molina, who managed to lead his side to the final but fell short of crossing the line. However, throughout the tournament, Mohun Bagan SG displayed their attacking brand of football, showcasing their offensive firepower and utilising squad depth to dominate the opponent.

Preparations getting harder as we enter the match week to start off the season 💚♥️#MBSG #JoyMohunBagan #আমরাসবুজমেরুন pic.twitter.com/suLnzO0XvR

— Mohun Bagan Super Giant (@mohunbagansg) September 9, 2024

Mohun Bagan SG will begin their ISL 2024-25 season against Mumbai City FC, featuring a rematch of last season’s finalists in the opener. Under the guidance of Molina, the Mariners will aim to bolster their trophy cabinet, with the League Shield up for defence.

As the eleventh edition of the ISL rapidly approaches, here is how the Mariners are shaping up.

Team composition and Transfer dealings

Mohun Bagan SG have assembled a formidable squad ahead of the 2024-25 season. The club has strengthened their defensive line with the additions of Tom Aldred and Alberto Rodriguez. Furthermore, the Mariners have secured Australian international Jamie Maclaren, the all-time top scorer in A-League history.

The Kolkata-based club has also welcomed ISL 2021-22 Golden Ball winner Greg Stewart, who will bring added versatility to the Mariners' forward line. Additionally, Apuia, who was named 'Player of the Match' in last year’s Cup final against Mohun Bagan SG, has joined the club on a multi-year deal, enhancing the midfield depth for Molina’s team.

Despite the defending Shield winners losing defensive duo Brendan Hamill and Hector Yuste, along with star foreigners Armando Sadiku, Hugo Boumous, and Joni Kauko, Mohun Bagan SG will focus on developing new dynamics in a more offensive setup.

Players In

Dheeraj Singh (Joined from FC Goa) Details
Jamie Maclaren (Joined from Melbourne City FC) Details
Greg Stewart (Joined from Kilmarnock FC) Details
Alberto Rodriguez (Joined from Persib Bandung) Details
Tom Aldred (Joined from Brisbane Roar) Details
Apuia (Joined from Mumbai City FC) Details

Players Out

Armando Sadiku (Contract Terminated) Details
Hugo Boumous (Joined Odisha FC) Details
Joni Kauko (End of Contract) Details
Brendan Hamill (End of Contract) Details
Hector Yuste (End of Contract) Details
Lalrinliana Hnamte (Joined Chennaiyin FC) Details
Kiyan Nassiri (Joined Chennaiyin FC) Details

Key Players

Dimitrios Petratos

Petratos has established himself as the linchpin of Mohun Bagan SG's attacking line. The Australian international earned the ISL 2023-24 Golden Ball award for registering the highest goal contributions (17) last season.

With his versatility on the pitch, sharp vision, ability to score crucial goals, and knack for setting up teammates, the fleet-footed, skillful forward has been an X-factor for the Mariners since joining the club. Petratos will be looking to maintain his form and help the club achieve its goals in the upcoming ISL season.

Jason Cummings

Vishal Kaith

Kaith played a pivotal role in guiding Mohun Bagan SG to their League Shield triumph last season. The goalkeeper excelled in protecting the Mariners' goal throughout the season with his sharp reflexes and agile movements.

Kaith demonstrated his penalty-saving expertise in crucial moments, maintaining his composure to deny opponents from close range. Moreover, he played a significant role in leading the Mariners to the final of the recently concluded Durand Cup 2024.

Head Coach

Jose Molina

With his appointment at Mohun Bagan SG, Jose Molina has marked his return to the ISL. The 54-year-old Spanish head coach, who previously served as the director of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, clinched the ISL Cup in 2016 during his time with ATK.

Molina favours an attacking brand of football and that was evident in the Durand Cup, as they employed quick transitions in their offensive play. Mohun Bagan SG scored in all the games they played and narrowly missed out on the trophy on penalties. 

Despite this setback, Molina will be determined to build on Mohun Bagan SG's recent success and achieve even greater accomplishments with the club.

Fixtures

Mohun Bagan SG will take on Mumbai City FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on September 13. This highly anticipated season opener promises to be exciting, given the growing rivalry between these two prominent Indian football teams.

The Mariners will then host NorthEast United FC on September 23 before traveling for an away fixture against Bengaluru FC on September 28.

In October, Mohun Bagan SG will face two of their major rivals. The Kolkata giants will engage in thrilling encounters as they welcome Mohammedan SC on October 5 and face East Bengal FC on October 19.

Take a look at their full fixtures here.