As the 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) season gains momentum, Mohun Bagan prepares to take on Odisha FC at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar this Sunday, November 10. Head coach Jose Molina, leading his Mariners through a string of victories, has his sights set on claiming another three points and moving closer to the top of the ISL standings. The match-up against Odisha FC presents a unique challenge: facing former Mohun Bagan players Roy Krishna and Hugo Boumous, both now integral to Odisha’s lineup.
For Molina, however, nostalgia takes a back seat to the more immediate focus of his team’s performance. Despite the former Mariners now suiting up for Odisha, Molina is intent on ensuring they don’t have the freedom to execute their best plays. Reflecting on the challenge of containing Krishna and Boumous, the Spaniard emphasized the extra motivation players often bring to games against former clubs, saying, “Whenever you play against former teams, there’s an added drive to perform well.” He added, “I respect them as talented players, but on the pitch, I trust my team’s dedication and preparation to disrupt their rhythm. We aim to restrict them and go into the break on a high note with a victory for Kolkata.”
Analyzing the Opposition: Sergio Lobera’s Odisha FC
Molina’s tactical outlook goes beyond individual battles; he is well aware of the broader challenge posed by Odisha FC’s roster, managed by the seasoned Sergio Lobera. With a history of coaching success and a strategic mind, Lobera has bolstered Odisha’s lineup with skilled players, though the team has yet to find its stride this season. However, Molina is clear that he approaches every match with the same intensity, regardless of the opposition. “For me, it’s not a ‘special match’ just because of the star power Odisha FC brings. Every match is special; I prepare the same way, analyzing each rival carefully,” he explained. Molina’s preparations have included studying Odisha’s patterns in attack, defense, and set-pieces, with the hope that such diligence will pay dividends on match day.
Odisha FC, although struggling to find form, remains a formidable opponent capable of turning a game on its head. Lobera’s tactical prowess and player depth mean that, despite the recent setbacks, the team poses a genuine threat. Molina is aware of this, noting, “Odisha has quality players and a strong coach. We can’t take them lightly even if they haven’t been at their peak. Our focus will be on executing our best game for the full 90 minutes.”
Mohun Bagan’s Winning Momentum and the Path Ahead
With three consecutive wins in the ISL, Mohun Bagan has found a rhythm that combines strategic defense and clinical offense. The team’s aim to extend this streak underscores Molina’s drive for consistency as they navigate a competitive league landscape. A win against Odisha FC would provide not just an edge in the standings but also a morale boost before the next phase of the season. “We’ve been preparing for the past week, covering every possible scenario. I want the team to deliver another solid performance,” Molina said.
The stage is set for an intense face-off, with Molina’s Mariners looking to keep their winning momentum alive and Odisha FC hoping to rekindle their campaign with a decisive result. As both teams vie for a crucial victory, the match promises to be a tactical battle, with fans eagerly awaiting a thrilling Sunday showdown in Bhubaneswar.