Spaniard Jose Molina was recently appointed as the successor to Antonio Lopez Habas at Indian Super League (ISL) club Mohun Bagan Super Giant.

Habas led Mohun Bagan to significant success, guiding them to the Indian Super League (ISL) Winners' Shield.

Despite the remarkable achievements success under Habas, Mohun Bagan SG have turned to Molina, who has previously tasted success in the league by lifting the ISL trophy with ATK FC in 2016.

Molina's arrival marks a new chapter for the Mariners as they aim to build on their recent successes and strive for further glory.

Here’s everything you need to know about the new Mohun Bagan Super Giant coach.

Who is Jose Molina?

A native of Valencia, Spain, Jose Molina brings a wealth of managerial experience and a solid understanding of Indian football. Mohun Bagan SG marks his return to the ISL, having previously managed ATK to a league title in 2016. Following a distinguished playing career as a goalkeeper, which saw him earn nine caps for Spain, Molina transitioned to coaching in the early 2000s.

Managerial Career

Molina began his coaching career with Villarreal's C team in the Tercera Division, the fourth tier of Spanish football, before progressing to manage the club's B team. His stint at Villarreal was followed by a brief tenure as the head coach of the first team.

In 2016, Molina took charge of ATK in the ISL, guiding the team to their second Cup title in his only season with the club. This success established his reputation in Indian football and demonstrated his ability to quickly adapt and deliver results.
Molina's coaching journey has also included roles outside Europe, such as managing Kitchee SC in Hong Kong and San Luis in Mexico. Most recently, he served as the Technical Director of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), a position he held until Spain's exit from the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

What style of football does Jose Molina play?

Molina is known for his possession-based approach to football, emphasising control and dominance in the midfield. Unlike his predecessor Habas, who often employed a counter-attacking strategy, Molina prefers his teams to dictate play and maintain a high level of ball retention.

Typically favouring a 4-2-3-1 formation, Molina's system relies heavily on the creativity and vision of his central midfielders. This set-up will also help the likes of Sahal Abdul Samad and Anirudh Thapa and they will further blossom in their roles given. This approach encourages progressive ball movement and aims to create numerous goal-scoring opportunities through patient build-up play.

Under Molina, fans can expect a dynamic and fluid attacking style, and with Liston Colaco and Manvir Singh being speedway outlets as well as carrying a two way threat will help the team even more. Molina focuses on maintaining possession and pressing high up the pitch. His preference for a balanced and organised defence complements this attacking intent, ensuring that the team remains solid at the back while pushing forward.

Emphasis on Tactical Flexibility

Throughout his managerial career, Molina has demonstrated a keen ability to adapt his tactics to suit the strengths of his squad. At ATK FC, he successfully implemented a partnership between strikers Helder Postiga and Iain Hume, supported by the pace and skill of wingers like Sameegh Doutie.

At Mohun Bagan SG, Molina will have a wealth of attacking talent at his disposal, including Dimitri Petratos, Armando Sadiku, and Jason Cummings. His tactical flexibility will be crucial in integrating these players into a cohesive unit capable of challenging for top honors.

Previous Experience in India

Molina's prior success in the ISL with ATK in 2016 provides a solid foundation for his return to Indian football. Leading ATK FC to their second ISL title in just one season showcased his ability to quickly adapt and achieve results in a competitive environment.

With his possession-based approach, tactical flexibility, and emphasis on playing attacking football, MBSG fans will expecting Molina to lead the Mariners to new heights. They can look forward to an exciting and dynamic season as Mohun Bagan SG aims to cement their status as a dominant force in Indian football.