Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan is slated to face Mohammedan SC in their upcoming Indian Super League (ISL 2024-25) fixture. The first Kolkata Derby, albeit the Mini Derby will be held for the very first time in ISL as Mohammedan make their debut in the premier division of Indian football. However, the Mariners are plagued with some injury concerns as Sahal Abdul Samad is ruled out for the Mohun Bagan vs Mohammedan clash. On the other hand, the availability of ace forward Manvir Singh’s injury concern is touch-and-go.
The Green and Maroon brigade is desperate to find their winning ways. The Mariners suffered a humiliating 3-0 loss at the hands of Bengaluru FC away from home in their previous encounter. The Mariners are currently 10th on the ISL standings with 4 points from 3 games. They have managed to claim 1 win, 1 draw, and 1 loss so far in their opening 3 games.
Injury concerns for Manvir Singh
Manvir Singh reportedly suffered a niggle in practice a couple of days back. While Manvir joined the team practice, his involvement in tomorrow’s match remains to be a major doubt. On the other hand, ace playmaker Sahal Abdul Samad is out of the game and was spotted undergoing individual training ahead of the Mohun Bagan vs Mohammedan SC clash.
Head coach Jose Molina made it clear that the midfielder is out of the game. “Sahal is injured and Manvir is touch and go. We will see how he trains and then we can take a call, Apart from these 2 players, I have the rest of the squad available with me. I will have to select my squad of 20 players for tomorrow’s game and that is my main concern,” said Molina at the pre-match press conference.
Fear of getting the boot?
The demand for the Mariners is high and it can be said safely that Molina’s tactics have come under the scanner. While the fans have been left frustrated, the head coach apparently continues to enjoy the support of the team management. But the job in Kolkata football is a high-demanding affair.
With no wins in ISL in their opening 3 games, Eats Bengal head coach Carles Cuadrat resigned from his job. And now Molina knows that he needs to perform. “I am not bothered about other teams. I am concerned about my team. The team is training well and I have full trust in my players. I am more concerned about tomorrow’s game,” shrugged off Molina when he was asked about the East Bengal coach’s departure.
Ace goal scorer Jason Cummings too was sympathetic with his manager. “It is never a good sign to see a manager getting sacked. We have a good team, and it will take some time for us to click. We have some great foreigners and some of the best players in India playing at the club. It will take very little time to make the turnaround,” chirped Cummings.
Editor's Pick
Cricket
Rishabh Pant once again "most expensive", sold for 33 Cr to PBKS at IPL Mock Auction
Top Stories
