Kolkata: There is a sense of freshness and a break from the monotony of daily life. Fans have regrouped, players have trained their minds, and so have their coaches.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant are set to renew its August rivalry with Mohammedan Sporting as they face off in the Indian Super League’s (ISL) first Kolkata derby of the 2024-25 season at the hallowed Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday.
In Kolkata’s footballing cauldron, there is a revived excitement reminiscent of the old fervour of the derby, which once kept the entire city on the edge of the footballing actions. That historic frenzy is back.
The ISL has taken on a vibrant new look this season with the entry of Mohammedan Sporting, a club that were on the brink of extinction in 2014, struggling to stay relevant amid the evolving fan culture of Indian football.
Now, as the city’s two oldest existing clubs – Mohun Bagan, established in 1889, and Mohammedan Sporting, founded in 1891 – revive their rivalry, there is a palpable excitement. Demand for the clubs’ iconic green and maroon, and black and white jerseys and scarfs has shot up ahead of the derby.
Tell of two coaches
Kolkata is ready for Saturday’s big duel, but the two coaches have contrasting emotions and attitudes towards the game.
Mohammedan Sporting’s Russian coach, Andrey Chernyshov, is buoyed by their first ISL win of the 2024-25 season against Chennaiyin FC ahead of the derby. On the other hand, Mohun Bagan – the reigning ISL League Shield winners – are reeling at the 10th on the table after a poor run of form early on.
At the pre-match media conference, their differing approaches were evident. While Chernyshov appeared bold and fearless, Mohun Bagan coach Jose Molina seemed more apprehensive.
“Mohun Bagan are a strong side. We respect them. But we also have a strong team,” Chernyshov said. “We have shown that in the last three games. We need to play good football to win, and that is what the sport is all about – being ready for the big moments.”
He also acknowledged the significance of the derby: “Not many leagues in the world have three footballing giants from a single city. It’s great for the fans in Kolkata. Tomorrow is a big match for us and Kolkata football. We’re looking forward to it.”
Mohammedan Sporting registered a 2-1 win over Chennaiyin FC after narrowly losing to NorthEast United and drawing with FC Goa in injury time.
“We know we are strong, and we want to play good football in this league,” Chernyshov added.
“We needed that win, and I am very happy with my players. After two games, they understood they could play well. Now, they realize they can win in the ISL, and that is crucial for us,” emphasised the coach, who propelled Mohammedan to ISL leading them to the I-League title.
When asked if he follows any styles of European coaches, Chernyshov replied, “I do not have any special formula for winning. The only thing I know is that we have to defend, attack, and score goals. There must be a balance between defense and offense. Our style of play will not change for this match.”
The Mohammedan Sporting coach, however, did not reveal his lineup, saying, “We do not have any injury concerns. I will decide the team later.” L
Talking about his latest signing, French defender Florent Ogier, he “Soon after landing here, Florent has shown his eagerness to train, which is a good sign, but he has not had any match practice so far.”
‘Fans do not have patience’: Molina
Molina did not hide his frustration after Mohun Bagan’s 0-3 loss to Bengaluru FC, a defeat that has sparked murmurs of dissatisfaction among fans.
“Patience is not something football fans usually have – everyone wants to win,” Molina admitted. “But we need time. Tomorrow’s game will not be easy; we will have to work hard to beat Mohammedan Sporting.”
Asked about injury concerns in the Mohun Bagan camp, Molina confirmed, “Sahal Abdul Samad and Manveer Singh are both out due to injuries and wo not be available tomorrow. Manveer had shown an issue yesterday.”
One reason for Mohun Bagan’s struggles has been their porous defence. “We are conceding too many goals,” Molina said. “Some are due to defensive mistakes, but many come from errors in attack. To improve our defense, we need to attack better.”
When asked if the team missed midfielder Joni Kauko, Molina said, “We are not missing anyone. I am happy with the players we have. Yes, there are complaints about conceding goals, but we need to improve.”
Molina also admitted that his players need time to fully grasp his tactical vision: “It takes time to understand everything and to cut down on mistakes.”
Despite mounting pressure, especially after fellow Spaniard Carles Cuadrat was sacked as the head coach of East Bengal, Molina dismissed any fears of facing a similar fate.
“I am not concerned with what is happening at other clubs. My focus is on preparing the team and winning the next match. In my head, we are accepting nothing but a victory tomorrow,” he said.
As Chernyshov and Molina prepare for this historic clash, Kolkata braces for a game that promises to be a landmark event.
This will be the first time Mohammedan Sporting and Mohun Bagan face each other in the ISL, the top tier of Indian football, since its inception in 2014.