Mohun Bagan SG head coach Jose Molina acknowledged that his team could have finished the game in regulation time but was happy with their reaction as they beat Bengaluru FC in the second semi-final of the Durand Cup 2024 in Kolkata on Tuesday.

The Mariners staged a commanding comeback against the Blues, one of their rivals in the Indian Super League (ISL), as they came from two goals down to draw the game and then registered a dramatic penalty shootout win. With this victory, the defending champions marched onto the Durand Cup final for a consecutive time.

The Mohun Bagan SG head coach was delighted with the way his players showed character despite conceding two goals. He also mentioned that they were aware of the challenges that the Blues could pose, but he shared his satisfaction in bagging the win in the crucial knockout fixture.

“Really happy because it was not an easy match today (Tuesday),” Molina said after the match.

“Bengaluru FC proved that they are a very good team and played very good football. They sent us under pressure, but the reaction of the team was amazing. My players worked really hard and fought till the end,” he added.

The Mariners demonstrated their offensive prowess throughout the match, creating numerous goal-scoring chances in both halves. Especially with the inclusion of Greg Stewart in the second half, Mohun Bagan SG enjoyed more time in the opponent's half and looked more dangerous.

Molina admitted that his team should have killed the game during regulation time. However, after reaching the final, he has his eyes fixed on winning his first title with the iconic club.

“In my opinion, we could have won the match in the 90 minutes, but it did not happen. We had to go to the penalty kicks. Finally, we are in the final. I’m very happy and looking forward to playing the next game and trying to win my first trophy with Mohun Bagan SG,” he commented.

The Spaniard is anticipating a challenging game against the Highlanders in the forthcoming final, which will be played on 31stt August at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata. Molina urged his players to fight till the end and give their all on the pitch to ensure their consecutive Durand Cup triumph.

“It's never easy to win a match. I have experience in ISL, and it’s never easy to win a match against any opponent. In the final against NorthEast United FC, we need to fight throughout the 90 minutes and give our 100% to win the match,” Molina remarked.

The Kolkata Giants have been one of the most successful teams in recent times. With a formidable squad under their ranks, the Mariners are used to presenting ample challenges to the opponent and fighting for titles in every tournament they play for. They won the ISL Cup in the 2022–23 season, later the Durand Cup, and the ISL League Shield in the 2023–24 season and are set to participate in the AFC Champions League 2 in the ongoing season.

The Spaniard thanked the management for their utmost grit and dedication in helping the team reach new heights. 

Speaking in context, Molina stated, “First of all, the management. The management of the club is taking good decisions, signing very good players and very good coaches. Giving us the tools to work on at our best. After all the fans, they always support the team. It encourages the team a lot in the field. And of course, the players who are inside the pitch. They prove they are very good players irrespective of whoever the coach is, whether it is Antonio Habas or Jose Molina.”

“In my opinion, my job is to help my players play at their best in every match. I’m happy, and I hope the players are also happy with me. Hopefully, we can have a successful season together,” he further added.

The 54-year-old head coach underscored the significance of the Mariners’ indomitable fighting spirit and their century-old rich glory behind their successful seasons over the years.

“It's not about the players; it’s about the spirit of Mohun Bagan SG,” he remarked.

“It does not matter who is inside the pitch, because all are great players and fight 90 minutes for the team. They proved again (against Bengaluru FC), fighting till the end and trying to win,” Molina signed off.

It's my duty to save the penalties and help the team: Vishal Kaith

 

Mohun Bagan SG goalkeeper Vishal Kaith has played a pivotal role in leading the Mariners to the Durand Cup final by saving crucial penalties against Bengaluru FC. He displayed his supreme persistence and immense determination to be unbeatable between the sticks.

Since joining Mohun Bagan SG, Kaith has been at the very top of his game, as his strong hands have guided the team from conceding goals on numerous occasions. He played a decisive role in the Mariners’ first-ever League Shield triumph last season and was also outstanding in the penalty shootouts against Punjab FC in the quarter-final.

“It's my duty to save the penalties and help the team,” Kaith said after qualifying for the final.

“We had confidence because we went to penalties in the quarterfinals. Besides that, we were in the penalties a few times before. So, I had confidence in my players that they would score goals. And if I could save one or two shots, we would win,” he remarked.

Mohun Bagan SG head coach Molina was the custodian of the Spanish national team during his playing career. Having been enriched with such a huge experience of playing at the highest level on the international circuit, having a head coach like Molina who understands his position has been a huge help for Kaith.

“Molina being a goalkeeper, and with our goalkeeper coach, they know very well how to train a goalkeeper. It is really beneficial for us because we can learn many things and improve our game.”

“Our coaches give us input on players and their techniques during the penalty kicks. So we have the information, and it really helps us. A few times, it becomes difficult when my players miss. But it depends on the situation going on inside the pitch,” Kaith continued.

Mohun Bagan SG have won most of the matches when the game has gone to penalties. Arguably, Kaith has had a big hand in this regard with his innate abilities to save spot kicks with ease. 

While shedding light on his potential secret in this regard, Kaith commented,

“There is no recipe.”

“We have not lost a match on penalties. Hopefully, I can keep doing so and give confidence to my team. When the match goes into penalties and I am under the bars, the players have confidence and can score freely,” he concluded.

Related tags:

Mohun Bagan Super Giant2024-2025 Jose Francisco MolinaVishal Kaith