Mohun Bagan Super Giant head coach Jose Molina expressed satisfaction with the result but urged his players to keep working hard after their victory against East Bengal FC in the Kolkata Derby in the Indian Super League (ISL) on Saturday.

Goals from Jamie Maclaren and substitute Dimitrios Petratos secured the win for the Mariners, who dominated possession, created chances, and troubled their rivals throughout the match.

With this victory, Mohun Bagan SG climbed to second place in the ISL standings, marking their third win of the season. This was the Mariners' eighth derby win in the ISL, and they remain unbeaten against their arch-rivals. Despite the significance of the clash, Molina downplayed the victory, stating it was just another three points.

“I am really happy,” he said in the post-match press conference.

“Today and the last match, we are working well.. from the beginning. It's a process. We have to keep calm and believe in the process. Now everything seems great but there are still things to improve. Really happy but it’s only three points. I know it's a derby and it's important for the club and the supporters. I’m really happy for them for their support today, it was amazing. But in any case, it's just three points. We have to keep working,” he added.

Mohun Bagan SG has now recorded clean sheets in their last two games following a defeat to Bengaluru FC. Before facing East Bengal FC, they secured a 3-0 victory over Mohammedan Sporting Club, marking their first clean sheet in four opening matches.

Molina praised the collective effort of his players in achieving this milestone and expressed satisfaction with the performance of both his forwards and the defensive unit.

“We will improve our defence when we will improve our attack. And it's not only about defending players and attacking players but for me, it's the whole team working together. 11 players defending and attacking together and that is what we have been watching the last (few) matches. Today and the last match, Greg (Stewart) and Jamie Maclaren had a great match in defence. In attack, we all know they are great. But in defence, they did great and that is what I want,” he said.

He further said: “Dimi(trios Petratos) when he came on, last match and today, he did great in defence and he is a great player in attack. Even Jason Cummings. If we defend together, it’s easier for the defenders and the midfielders. If we attack together, the centre backs can play and connect with the midfielders and the midfielders can deliver good balls to the attackers. And then, the attacker’s job is easier. We have to understand that, and the players are understanding that we can be stronger if we play together as a team.”

Mohun Bagan SG dealt East Bengal FC their fifth consecutive loss of the season, leaving them at the bottom of the table. Despite the pressure from Mohun Bagan SG, East Bengal FC managed to limit the score to just two goals with a resolute defensive performance. Molina believes the Red & Golds will improve their standing in due time.

“They have a really good team, really good players. It’s not real.. that position in the bottom (of the table) for East Bengal FC.. But I’m sure they are really good players. All of them proved that here in India last season and I’m sure they will get better at any moment and (make a) come back from the bottom,” he said.