The Greek coach embraces the pressure of winning at Mohun Bagan, while targeting greater aggression and intensity ahead of the Mariners’ season opener in Guwahati.

Kolkata, October 11: Mohun Bagan Super Giant will begin their ISL 2026-27 campaign against NorthEast United FC in Guwahati on Monday, with head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis aware of the expectations that come with being in charge of one of Indian football’s biggest clubs.

For the Greek coach, there is no escaping the pressure at Mohun Bagan. Winning is not just the target but an expectation that comes with the club, and Panagiotis Dilmperis understands that delivering results will remain the priority throughout the season.

“The culture of the team demands wins. We should win. There is no other result,” Dilmperis said ahead of the opening fixture.

At the same time, the coach wants his team to bring more aggression and intensity to the pitch. However, he admitted that the squad might need some time to maintain that level for the full 90 minutes, given the nature of their pre-season preparation.

“I would love to see on the field a team that plays a little bit more aggressively, with more intensity,” he said.

Mohun Bagan’s preparations have been shaped by a packed schedule, with the team competing in the Durand Cup, Calcutta Football League and IFA Shield before the start of the ISL. While the tournaments gave the players valuable match time and helped the coaching staff work on different formations, the demanding schedule has also raised questions about fatigue.

Panagiotis explained that the coaching staff has been monitoring the players’ workloads to understand who needs rest and who is ready to start. The club will use that information when deciding the starting eleven and managing the squad during the season.

However, he believes that physical data alone cannot determine a player’s readiness. For him, motivation, desire and the willingness to fight for the team remain equally important.

“When a player is motivated, when a player has desire, when a player has the spirit, then even if he is tired, he will find the strength from inside him, get on the field and play good,” the coach explained.

He also cited Sahal Abdul Samad as an example, revealing that the midfielder had been overloaded but still featured in the previous India’s international friendly match. According to the coach, the player’s determination can make a difference even when the physical demands are high.

“The player is the most important thing in football. And then, it’s coaches” he added.

The Mariners will also have to make their opening statement away from home, with their first two ISL fixtures scheduled on the road. Panagiotis agreed that winning both matches would provide an ideal start, although he acknowledged that the task would not be easy.

NorthEast United are expected to offer a difficult challenge, despite their recent 7-2 defeat to East Bengal in the IFA Shield semi-final. Panagiotis does not expect the Highlanders to repeat the same tactical approach and anticipates a more organised side under Juan Pedro Benali.

Mohun Bagan have already faced NorthEast United during the Durand Cup, but the coach believes the league fixture will be a different contest, with both sides likely to field stronger starting elevens.

As he prepares for his first ISL campaign in charge of the Mariners, Dilmperis is looking to build a team that can deliver results while gradually improving its performance and intensity. At Mohun Bagan, however, the ultimate expectation remains unchanged, the team must win.

The challenge begins in Guwahati against a NorthEast United side eager to respond after their recent setback. For Panagiotis and his Mariners, a victory would be the ideal way to begin the new campaign and build momentum from the very first match.