Molina defends Mohun Bagan’s team selection after Super Cup draw and denies feeling pressure before match against East Bengal

Mohun Bagan Super Giant head coach Jose Molina defended his team selection after his side were held to a goalless draw by Dempo Sports Club in the AIFF Super Cup match on Tuesday.

«I think it wasn’t a good game (for us). The game plan wasn’t good; not too many chances to score in the first half,» Molina said after the game. “We played a little better in the second half; we had more chances, but didn’t score.”

Bagan made eight changes to the starting XI, including striker Jamie Maclaren and captain Subhasish Bose.

But the experimental side failed to break through a defensively composed Dempo side, led by former India defender and captain Samir Naik, who risked everything to deny Bagan an opening.

«This team (Bagan) was in a perfect position to do well and win the match, but maybe I was wrong. I think the players tried their best and did a great job in terms of effort, but they couldn’t score a goal,» Molina added.

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Bagan’s draw makes the Kolkata derby – at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on October 31 – a winner-take-all match, with East Bengal registering its first win in this Super Cup against Chennaiyin FC earlier in the day.

«We have to move slowly. We don’t put too much pressure on ourselves because by doing that we make some blunders. With every match, the team is improving. We have to be more consistent to avoid mistakes,» East Bengal head coach Oscar Bruzon said, stressing the need to avoid complacency.

Meanwhile, Molina refuted claims that she was under pressure after being held to a draw by an I-League side before the match against East Bengal.

«Derby is a derby (like any other) for us, and we have to win. East Bengal are a good team and they have a good coach. But that doesn’t mean that since we drew and they won today, we will be under enormous pressure,» Molina said.

“It will be a tough match for both sides, and the best team will win and qualify for the semi-finals,” he added.

Published on October 29, 2025