Mohun Bagan Super Giant head coach Jose Molina backed his players’ efforts despite suffering a 2-1 defeat against FC Goa at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa on Friday.

Brison Fernandes scored a goal in each half, helping the Gaurs edge past the table-toppers in a high-voltage match in the Indian Super League (ISL). Dimitri Petratos scored the solitary goal for the Mariners with a powerful strike from the spot in the 55th minute.

With this result, Mohun Bagan SG remain winless in their last four away games in the ISL when trailing at half-time (D1 L3).

Molina acknowledged the challenges posed by the Gaurs but believed that both teams fought toe-to-toe in search of the crucial three points.

“I think it was a tough match for both teams. Both teams went on to win the match. We tried to attack; we tried to be strong in defence. Not an easy match for either of the two teams,” the Mohun Bagan SG head coach said in the post-match press conference.

Fernandes opened the scoring for the hosts in the 12th minute with a shot that deflected off Tom Aldred, leaving Vishal Kaith helpless in goal.

Speaking in this context, Molina shared: “In my opinion, we were unlucky in the first goal. The first goal is always important in the match. But we kept working; we had some chances to score; we could draw the match. And they did a good action in the second goal.”

“We tried until the end. We changed the formation, playing with three in the back. We put in offensive players, more attackers, trying to score at least one goal, which gave us at least one point. But we weren't successful in the last touch, and finally, we couldn't win or even draw,” the Spaniard further added.

Molina commended his players' gritty efforts and their hard-working mentality, despite FC Goa ending the Mariners' eight-match unbeaten run.

Showering praise on his players' performances, the head coach remarked: “I think we did a good job. We were unlucky because I think we deserved at least one point. We played a good match. Not an easy match, because FC Goa are a really good team. But we played well; we had chances to score, and we attacked in good situations. Of course, we suffered two goals. That is something that we don't like. But we defended.”

“It's not easy to defend with the way FC Goa players attack. They are good attackers. They have good technique and good movement,” he explained.

Molina expressed his dissatisfaction with the outcome of the match but was pleased with how the Mariners fought toe-to-toe against the Gaurs on their home turf. He emphasized the positives rather than focusing on the negatives, saying: “(There are) A lot of positive things. When you win, not everything is positive. When you lose, not everything is negative.”

“And today, I'm not happy with the result. But I'm happy with the team, with the players. They did a great match, a great effort. Unlucky today. That's football; keep working for the next one,” Molina signed off.

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FC GoaMohun Bagan Super Giant2024-2025 Jose Francisco Molina