Mohun Bagan Super Giant head coach Jose Molina is focused solely on securing three points as his team hosts Odisha FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) on Sunday.

The Mariners are on the cusp of making history—three points against the Kalinga Warriors will confirm them as League Shield winners, making them the first team in ISL history to retain the prestigious title.

Match Preview: Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Odisha FC

MBSG currently have 49 points from 21 matches, while second-placed FC Goa sit on 42 points from the same number of games following their win on Saturday. FC Goa can reach a maximum of 51 points if they win all their remaining fixtures. A win for Molina's side would take them to 52 points, securing the title.

Molina acknowledged the significance of Sunday's game but emphasized that his team would approach it like any other, following their usual routine to ensure they claim all three points.

“Everybody knows that this could be a big match. But for us, it's just one more match,” Molina said at the pre-match press conference.

“We have to step onto the pitch and try to do what we have been doing so far. We need to fight, try to play well, and we are going to try to win, to secure those three points and claim the Shield,” he added.

“We have to do the same thing we have been doing from the beginning—work hard, defend, attack, and stay united as a team, attacking and defending together, trying to concede as few goals as possible, trying to score as many goals as possible, and finally, try to win and get the three points,” Molina continued further.

The Spaniard stressed that his players must remain focused and avoid complacency, leaving no room for relaxation until they have clinched the title.

“The Shield is there—we have to go and grab it. We have to fight for 90 minutes on the pitch to claim it—nothing more. And we cannot afford to relax at this moment. We can only relax once we have the Shield in our hands,” he stated.

Odisha FC, the Mariners' opponent on Sunday, currently sit seventh in the table, three points outside the playoff spots. The Kalinga Warriors will be desperate for a win to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Molina acknowledged the tough challenge but remained confident of securing victory with the support of the home crowd.

“They are a very good team. In the ISL, it is difficult to play against any team in any stadium—it is always a challenge. I know it’s not going to be easy to win tomorrow. We have to fight, work hard, and earn the victory. But we are always confident, especially here in our stadium, with our fans pushing us forward,” the Spaniard opined.

Molina’s team has already set a new ISL record with the highest points tally (49), and a positive outcome on Sunday would make them the first side to reach the 50-point mark. They have also matched the record for most wins in a single season (15) and set a new benchmark with the most clean sheets (13) in a campaign.

Reflecting on their consistency, Molina stated, “According to me, of course, there is no secret—it is only hard work, nothing more. We have been working hard from the beginning, all the players have been putting in the effort since day one.”

“As a team, we are all working hard—everyone in the club, the staff, management, and the owner have been supporting us from the beginning, helping us with everything we need. Of course, the quality of the players is always important, but quality alone means nothing without hard work,” he added.

Representing Mohun Bagan Super Giant is a huge honour for me: Jamie Maclaren

After a tough start to his journey in India, Jamie Maclaren has hit his stride in the ISL and is now MBSG’s top scorer this season. The Australian striker has registered ten goals and two assists in his debut campaign, including back-to-back braces in his last two matches.

Looking ahead to the crucial showdown against Odisha FC, Maclaren expressed his determination to seize any opportunity that comes his way, hoping to make the night even more memorable for himself and the club while securing his first trophy in India.

“Representing this football club is a huge honour. And I know that this team needs me in special moments,” Maclaren said during the pre-match press conference.

“And, yeah, I've gotten better as the season has gone on. I'm in a little purple patch of form at the moment. You know, in my last two games I've scored four goals, but at any chance, you can bank on me to try and take another shot at goal. I'm looking forward to tomorrow night. I know there will be chances. No matter who plays or not, if selected, I'll be there, ready to try and get a few points, and I want to lift my first trophy in India,” he added.

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Mohun Bagan Super Giant2024-2025 Jose Francisco Molina