In his debut season as head coach, Jose Molina has already cemented his legacy at Mohun Bagan Super Giant, guiding the club to a historic Indian Super League (ISL) double — clinching both the League Winners Shield and the ISL Cup. It’s a remarkable turnaround after last season’s heartbreak and stands as a testament to Molina’s tactical intelligence, leadership, and unwavering belief in his players.
While Mohun Bagan fell short in the Durand Cup final early in the season, that setback served as a powerful motivator. What followed was a campaign defined by growth, unity, and sheer dominance. With most of the squad carried over from former coach Antonio Habas, Molina added finesse rather than overhauling — small tactical tweaks, defined roles, and a clear structure allowed the Mariners to evolve into a formidable force.
Smooth Transition from Habas to Jose Molina
Molina’s transition into the top job was seamless. With prior ISL success at ATK FC, he understood the league’s demands. Rather than overhaul the roster, he chose stability, trusting in the core group that had performed well under Habas.
The management further strengthened the team in the transfer window with key acquisitions like Lalengmawia Ralte (Apuia), Jamie Maclaren, and Greg Stewart. Although the departure of Anwar Ali posed a defensive challenge, Molina struck gold with the partnership of Tom Aldred and Alberto Rodriguez, who formed the backbone of the team’s solid defensive record.
Despite the Durand Cup final defeat, the tournament provided a valuable testing ground. Early experimentation with formations eventually gave way to a settled setup, and once the foundation was in place, Mohun Bagan became a dominant, well-balanced side at both ends of the pitch.
Unity, Clarity, and Complete Control
One of Molina’s standout achievements has been building a squad where every player knows their role. He managed a team full of stars with calm confidence, ensuring every individual felt valued — whether they were starting or coming off the bench.
It was this collective effort that powered their historic campaign. Apuia’s late goal, Maclaren’s clinical finishing, and Stewart’s creativity all played crucial roles in key moments. But more importantly, the Mariners displayed control, resilience, and consistency throughout the season.
The club became unbeatable at home, sharp in transitions, and incredibly disciplined without the ball. Compared to last season, when the Shield was clinched on the final day, this time they wrapped up the title with two games to spare, finishing a dominant eight points ahead of FC Goa.
Playoff Drama and ISL Cup Glory
Their belief was tested in the playoffs. In a tense semi-final against Jamshedpur FC, it was Apuia who delivered, scoring a dramatic late winner in the second leg to complete a thrilling comeback.
Speaking after the game, Molina said,
“They believed in me with calm and stuck to the plan until the last moment. They didn’t get frustrated until the end. Finally, we received, in my opinion, what we deserved.”
That same belief carried into the ISL Cup final, where Mohun Bagan came from behind to secure the trophy that slipped away last season — completing a dream double that fans will cherish.
Treble Still on the Cards
The season isn’t over yet. With the Kalinga Super Cup kicking off on Sunday, 20th April, there’s still one more trophy up for grabs. A potential domestic treble is within reach — the perfect finale to a campaign defined by redemption, tactical brilliance, and collective belief.
As Molina and Mohun Bagan gear up for their final challenge, one thing is certain — this season will go down in Indian football history.
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