Mohun Bagan, one of the most storied clubs in Indian football, has hit a puzzling roadblock in their pursuit of the Indian Super League (ISL) Shield. Despite their quality, the Mariners have failed to consolidate their position at the top of the table, with two consecutive draws against Jamshedpur FC and Chennaiyin FC exposing their inability to finish games strongly. The concern isn’t merely a lack of creativity—on the contrary, the Mariners have showcased flashes of exhilarating attacking football—but rather, their inefficiency in converting chances into goals.
With only two goals scored in their last three matches, alarm bells are ringing for a team that prides itself on attacking dominance. Head coach Jose Molina has admitted to working on finishing more rigorously than ever before, but the results have yet to translate on the pitch. Here’s an analysis of how the Mariners can reignite their goal-scoring prowess and take control of their destiny in the ISL Shield race.
1. Empowering the Full-Backs
Mohun Bagan’s recent goals have highlighted the impact of their full-backs, with Subhasish Bose scoring against Jamshedpur and Asish Rai assisting Jamie Maclaren’s decisive goal against East Bengal. These moments demonstrate the potential of their full-backs to influence the attack.
For the Mariners to consistently create high-quality chances, Molina must encourage Rai and Bose to advance more frequently into the attacking third. Both players possess the technical ability and composure to deliver accurate crosses and carry the ball into dangerous areas. However, refinement is needed in their final delivery to maximize their impact.
By driving their full-backs forward, Mohun Bagan can create numerical superiority in the opposition’s box, overwhelming defenders and increasing the likelihood of converting chances. This tactical adjustment would not only benefit the team’s forwards but also diversify their offensive patterns, making them less predictable.
2. Rediscovering Set-Piece Dominance
A crucial strength of Mohun Bagan earlier this season was their exceptional record in set-piece situations, with 16 goals from dead-ball scenarios contributing significantly to their overall tally of 31 goals. However, their effectiveness from set-pieces has diminished in recent matches, with just one goal from such situations in their last three outings.
To regain their edge, Molina and his coaching staff must rethink their approach to corners and indirect free kicks. Introducing innovative routines, such as decoy runs, quick interchanges, or unexpected deliveries, could unsettle opposition defenses and create more scoring opportunities. Players like Alberto Rodriguez, Tom Aldred, and Subhasish Bose, all capable of winning aerial duels, need pinpoint delivery to maximize their potential.
If the Mariners can reestablish their dominance in set-piece situations, they could add another dimension to their attack, easing the pressure on their forwards to produce goals from open play.
3. Maximizing Jamie Maclaren’s Potential
Jamie Maclaren, the Australian striker with a reputation as a prolific goal-scorer, has yet to fully find his rhythm in the ISL. With six goals in 16 matches, his output falls short of the expectations placed upon him. However, the root of the issue lies not in his finishing ability but in the lack of consistent service he receives.
Maclaren has averaged fewer than one shot per game, an alarmingly low figure for a striker of his caliber. Yet, when provided with quality opportunities, his efficiency has been evident—he’s converted nine of his shots on target. For Maclaren to thrive, the Mariners must prioritize feeding him the ball in the areas where he is most dangerous: inside the box.
Molina’s tactical approach should focus on ensuring the wingers and midfielders are attuned to Maclaren’s movement, delivering precise through balls and crosses that allow him to operate as a traditional poacher. By optimizing the Australian’s positioning and ensuring he receives ample service, Mohun Bagan could unlock a consistent source of goals.
The final stretch of the ISL season is shaping up to be a decisive period for Mohun Bagan. To emerge victorious in the league shield race, the Mariners must address their goal-scoring issues head-on. Empowering their full-backs to contribute more in attack, rediscovering their set-piece ingenuity, and unleashing Jamie Maclaren’s full potential are three pivotal strategies that could turn the tide in their favor.
With a few tactical tweaks and a renewed focus on execution, Mohun Bagan has the quality to reclaim their ruthlessness in front of goal. If they succeed, the Mariners could not only solidify their position atop the table but also send a resounding message to their rivals ahead of the playoffs.