Mohun Bagan Super Giant forward Jamie Maclaren shared his satisfaction after securing another victory over their arch-rivals East Bengal FC in the first Kolkata derby of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season, but he aims to achieve more success with the club in his debut season.

The Mariners stretched their unbeaten run against their city rivals to nine matches with a dominant performance as they climbed to the second spot in the league table with 10 points from five matches. Maclaren scored the opener in the first half with his precise finish inside the box, while Dimitri Petratos doubled the lead coming from the bench with his penalty, sealing their eighth Kolkata derby win against the Red and Gold Brigade in the ISL.

After a solid performance against East Bengal FC in this most-anticipating fixture, Maclaren spoke to indiansuperleague.com, where he shared his feelings after scoring goals in back-to-back matches, his experience of playing in the first Kolkata derby, and more.

“It's just better to get the three points. I came here to win trophies. No, individual stuff, they're good, but it's such a great group, and there's no better feeling than scoring and celebrating with the fans, but also with my amazing teammates,” the forward said.

Jose Molina’s men have been struggling at the start of the season as they registered a single win in their opening three fixtures. However, the Kolkata giants are back to business with successive victories against Mohammedan SC and East Bengal FC.

Speaking in context, Maclaren stated,

“We're in some good form. Obviously, it takes a while to build that chemistry. I missed all the pre-season, so I'm just starting to understand the players' runs, and I think Manvir (Singh) knows that I make the forward runs."

"At the end of the day, three points are so important. Sometimes tactics go out the window when it comes to a derby, and at the end of the day, we were hungrier, we had more desire, and we took our chances when they came,” he further added, sharing his assessment of their overall performance.

One of Mohun Bagan SG’s latest recruits, Greg Stewart, was also at his very best against East Bengal FC, orchestrating attacking moves with his dancing feet and unique vision. Maclaren was in full praise for Stewart, saying,

“Yeah, Greg (Stewart) is a great player. He sees the runs; he sees the movements. We have a very creative team, so for a striker like myself, I just have to be in the right areas and try and get chances.”

Maclaren expressed his delight to see happy faces in the stands as the Mariners were overjoyed with another Kolkata derby win against their city rivals.

“It's amazing to send them home with a smile on their face,” he remarked.

“I have played in some big games, obviously World Cups and stuff, but this was an amazing derby. To score and to celebrate with them. I was close to jumping the fence and celebrating more. But look, there are more games to come, more chances that will come. I'm just really proud to get the three points, so all good,” Maclaren signed off.

We could probably score more and kill the game early: Greg Stewart

Scottish attacking midfielder Greg Stewart believed that Mohun Bagan SG deserved to register a big margin win against East Bengal FC considering the chances they created throughout the game.

Stewart has also won the ‘Player of the Match’ for his commanding performance against the Red and Gold Brigade. Shedding lights on his first Kolkata derby win, Stewart remarked,

“I think we controlled most of the game; I think the defense and the midfield was solid, and we defended from the front. Jamie (Maclaren) and I worked hard for the team, and I think we benefit when we have the ball; we get in good positions.”

“I think at the beginning of the season it took some time, but now you can see what we are working on. I still think, as I said again, we can get better, so that is a positive for me. We can still do more; we can score more goals, and it is good to see Vishal (Kaith) and the defenders have another clean sheet because if they have clean sheets, we know we can score goals. We have goals in the team from all the positions, even players coming off the bench. We have quality sitting on the bench, so if we get tired, these boys come on and do the same,” Stewart further explained, speaking on their overall performance.

The midfielder urged his teammates to work hard to carry forward the positive momentum in the upcoming matches. However, Stewart believed they could score more goals if they converted their chances against East Bengal FC.

“Of course we can score more goals today, but no disrespect to East Bengal FC,” he said.

“They are struggling at the moment; that is why they have a new coach; they are in a part of transition now again, but they are not as bad as you think; they are not a bad team, and it was a difficult match. They fought hard, but as you say, I agree, we could probably score more and kill the game early, but as I say again, we have to get better, we have to do better, be more clinical in front of goal, and punish teams when we have chances,” he continued.

I'm happy that we managed to keep a cleansheet: Subhasish Bose

Captain defender Subhasish Bose is pleased to register their second successive cleansheet of the season, especially against East Bengal FC in the high-octane fixture.

The Bengali defender commended his players’ performance and wanted to maintain their winning momentum in the upcoming matches.

“Everyone is giving their best, and we’re playing as a team. Each team has their ups and downs. At the beginning of the season, the coach tried different combinations. Now, we are a balanced team. I think we’ll improve in the coming days,” he said.

“As a defender, I'm happy that we managed to keep a cleansheet. It was a crucial game for us, and the derby is the most important game for the Mohun Bagan SG fans. So, it will be memorable for me,” he added.

Bose showered praise on Maclaren, who scored back-to-back goals against two of their city rivals, helping the Mariners get back on a winning streak.

“Jamie (Maclaren) played his first Kolkata derby, so I think it will be one of the most memorable games for him,” he said.

“He scored a goal too. I think this will boost his confidence and benefit our team,” Bose concluded.