Kolkata, February 5: After Months of uncertainty, the Indian Super League is finally drawing its start. Mohun Bagan Super Giant will kick off their ISL 2025–26 campaign against Kerala Blasters FC, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the defending Shield winners.
The season opener will also see the competitive debut of new head coach Sergio Lobera at Mohun Bagan SG. Though new to the Mariners’ dugout, Lobera is far from new to Indian football. His resume speaks loudly, ISL Shield winner with FC Goa, conqueror of the historic double with Mumbai City FC, and a league title contender during his time at Odisha FC. Wherever he has gone in India, the spainard spread his impact.
Mohun Bagan SG is expected to play the season with largely the same squad that delivered silverware last year. However, the Mariners will miss Asish Rai, who has been ruled out for the entire season after suffering a serious hamstring injury.
Lobera, who once coached Barcelona’s U-18 side in his early days, is no stranger to elite environments. Pressure, he believes, is not a burden but a privilege. Speaking about the expectations at Mohun Bagan, he said, “I love this pressure, because when you have this pressure, it means you are working in a big club, with big targets, with a big fan base, with very good players.”
The Spaniard also made his ambition crystal clear, stating that he is not at one of India’s biggest clubs, but at the best club in India.
Although Lobera joined the club only last month and did not personally choose the squad, he remains fully confident in the group at his disposal. There are no excuses, he insisted, especially when the team is filled with quality players capable of meeting high expectations.
With a proven winner on the touchline, a champion squad on the pitch, and the weight of a passionate fan base behind them, Mohun Bagan SG step into the ISL 2025–26 season, and ready to defend their crown.
Mohun Bagan SG Coaches view:
Lobera Embraces the Winning Responsibility at Mohun Bagan SG!
I am in a winning club. They did an amazing job before and I am here to try to help and to continue in the way this club is. Finally, I know we need to win trophies. This is amazing for the coach when you are coming to the club with the target to win trophies, because this means you have the tools to achieve this. Maybe in other clubs they are always asking you to win but maybe you don’t have the tools. Finally, there are no excuses. We are in a winning team. I am a coach. I have my responsibility to continue winning and hopefully we can get trophies this season.
Watch: Lobera’s First Big Message to the Mohun Bagan Faithful
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