Mohun Bagan Super Giant head coach Jose Molina took a strong stance against the criticism surrounding his team’s defensive performance following their 3-2 victory over NorthEast United in the ISL 2024-25 on September 23. The Spanish manager expressed his frustration at what he deemed unwarranted criticism, especially considering the context of their recent matches.
In a post-match press conference, Molina was asked about the defensive record of Mohun Bagan, particularly after they conceded two goals in their opening match against Mumbai City FC. He defended his players, stating, “No, absolutely not (worried about defense). I’m happy with my players.” While acknowledging that he was not pleased with conceding goals, he pointed out that in their previous match against Ravshan in the AFC Champions League Two, they kept a clean sheet but still faced criticism for not securing a win. “Today, we won, and people are still not happy because we conceded two goals,” he remarked, highlighting the inconsistency in the reactions.
Molina's comments underscored his belief that winning matches should take precedence over defensive records. He questioned the importance placed on not conceding goals versus the ultimate goal of securing victories. “What’s more important, to win or not concede goals?” he challenged the media, emphasizing the complexity of managing team performance amid external expectations.
The match against NorthEast United was significant for Mohun Bagan as it allowed them to end their winless streak across all competitions. The thrilling encounter, held at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, showcased the team’s resilience, culminating in a late goal from substitute Jason Cummings that sealed the victory. This win was particularly important after their disappointing draw against Mumbai City FC on opening day.
With this result, Mohun Bagan not only lifted their spirits but also climbed to fourth place in the ISL 2024-25 standings. Molina's leadership and the team's ability to secure a win in front of their home fans suggest a positive trajectory as they look to build on this performance in upcoming matches. As the season progresses, the focus will be on balancing defensive solidity with the goal of securing crucial victories, a challenge Molina appears ready to embrace.
