Mohun Bagan SG’s new head coach, Jose Molina, quickly embraced the enthusiasm of the passionate Mariners and is determined to uphold the club's illustrious record.

The defending ISL League Shield winners, Mohun Bagan SG, introduced their new Spanish head coach, Jose Molina, and star forward, Jamie Maclaren, to the media on Tuesday.

Both Molina and the Australian international, Jamie Maclaren, expressed their excitement and commitment as they prepare to embark on their journey with the century-old Kolkata-based club.

Molina, formerly the Sporting Director of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, is set to take charge of the successful club from his compatriot, Antonio Habas. The 53-year-old head coach has been familiar with the ISL, having previously been associated with ATK FC in 2016 and winning the ISL Cup with them that season.

Molina is focused on defending titles with Mohun Bagan SG. He expressed his delight in returning to Kolkata for his second stint and thanked the club management.

“First of all, thank you to the club owner for bringing me back to Kolkata. I am very happy to be here in Kolkata and in the ISL again. Very exciting season; we’re going to fight,” he said in a press conference.

“I think there are very good players in the team. We reinforced the team with new additions like Jamie Maclaren. Very happy to bring him here and have him with us. I can only tell you that we’re going to work very hard to repeat the titles this time with Mohun Bagan SG,” he added.

The Spaniard urged his players to work hard to bring smiles to the faces of their supporters and the club management. Having previously coached in Kolkata, Molina has witnessed the unwavering support of the local fans and emphasized the importance of winning silverware for such a passionate and energetic fanbase.

“I was here in Kolkata, coaching ATK FC. I am now coming to a different club, Mohun Bagan SG, one of the biggest clubs not only in India but even in Asia. We have a lot of history and great fans who are very passionate and support the team. It’s a great challenge for me to be here,” Molina remarked.

“I know Mohun Bagan SG fans want to win trophies. It’s the same that I, the players, and the owner want. It’ll be very difficult to win every match that we play. We are going to try, work hard, and try to make the fans, the club, and the management happy. And that’s the challenge,” he continued.

Mohun Bagan SG has strengthened their squad with A-League legend Jamie Maclaren, former ISL Golden Ball winner Greg Stewart, and one of India’s top midfielders, Apuia, making their team even more formidable. Molina acknowledged the significance of having a good squad to achieve success.

“The most important thing is to have very good players, and I think we have. The club has prepared a good squad for us.”

When asked about his philosophy, Molina expressed his intent to adopt an attacking style of football to gain the upper hand over their opponents.

“Of course, we want to be an offensive team. We want to attack and be aggressive under pressure when we don’t have the ball. We want to be the team that dominates the game.”

“Right now, everybody wants to beat Mohun Bagan SG. And we have to be ready for that. Maybe we have to make an extra effort to be ready for every match,” the head coach signed off.

I am hungrier now than I was five years ago: Jamie Maclaren

A-League and Melbourne City FC legend Maclaren in July signed a multi-year deal with Mohun Bagan SG, significantly enhancing the Mariners' squad depth. The 31-year-old prolific forward brings with him an illustrious international career and extensive experience from over 300 professional club matches.

Maclaren, who has been a dominant force in the A-League with his goal-scoring prowess, is making a notable shift in his career by joining the ISL club. He was impressed by the enthusiasm and passion of Mohun Bagan SG's fans and is eager to achieve significant successes with the team.

“Thank you, president and coach. My welcome here has been very, very nice. I’m only here for just over 24 hours. The training was amazing yesterday (on Tuesday), and meeting the guys was very special,” the Australian said at the press conference.

Maclaren explained his decision to join the Mariners, expressing his desire to be part of a team with a winning tradition and a strong chance of competing for titles.

“I know why I’m here. I am joining a successful club. The club is accustomed to winning trophies and competing. I want to bring my expertise and experience to help this group of players. With the support of a great coaching staff, I’m confident we’ll be very successful this year,” the forward remarked.

“But the work has already started, and I’m looking forward to training tonight. I've already begun preparing for my first game and the team’s upcoming matches. So, thank you for the warm welcome. I’m really excited to be here and can’t wait to start scoring goals,” he added.

Maclaren also highlighted the role of coach Molina and the club’s rich history as key factors in his decision to join Mohun Bagan SG.

“I am inspired by the coach. Another major reason is that I want to win trophies, as I did at Melbourne City FC. This club has the standards needed to win trophies and compete at the highest level. I also love the country and its food,” Maclaren stated.

Maclaren becomes the Mariners' third Australian forward, joining Dimitri Petratos and Jason Cummings. Petratos and Cummings were instrumental in Mohun Bagan SG’s Durand Cup triumph and Shield victory last season. Maclaren revealed he has a special connection with his new teammates, having played either with them or against them in his career.

“I have many friends at this football club, and I’m excited to reconnect with them. I played with Dimitri Petratos for two years at Brisbane Roar FC, with Jason Cummings in the national team, and also against Tom Aldred,” Maclaren said.

Discussing his vision and goals for the upcoming season, Maclaren commented:

“I’m excited to dominate, not just because the philosophy is to control the game. As a striker, playing attacking football means chances will come. I’m hungrier now than I was five years ago.”

“So, I’m eager to compete, and after the warm welcome from the fans in Kolkata, my motivation has only increased. I’m really looking forward to playing, representing the club, and wearing the jersey for the very first time because I’m proud to be here,” he concluded.