The 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) season will witness a historic moment as all three of Kolkata’s footballing powerhouses—Mohammedan Sporting Club, East Bengal FC, and Mohun Bagan Super Giant—compete on the same stage. Mohammedan SC earned their spot in the ISL after clinching the I-League title last season, marking their return to the top tier of Indian football.
At the ISL Media Day on Wednesday, Mohammedan SC head coach Andrey Chernyshov issued a strong message to their rivals, emphasizing that the newly promoted club is not just here to participate but to make a significant impact.
“It’s an incredible feeling to be part of the ISL family. We accomplished something special last season by winning the I-League, and now we aim to bring that same level of performance to the ISL,” Chernyshov stated. “Our supporters have waited for this moment for many years, and with the club’s 130-plus years of history, we are here to play serious football. We want to show our strength in this league and challenge for the playoffs.”
Renewed Rivalry Among Kolkata Giants
The upcoming season also rekindles the storied rivalry between Kolkata’s football giants, Mohun Bagan and East Bengal. Mohun Bagan, the defending champions, are gearing up for their title defense, while East Bengal has bolstered its squad with key reinforcements during the summer.
Mohun Bagan’s head coach, Jose Molina, spoke confidently about the team’s preparations. “We’ve been working hard over the past month, and while there are still areas to improve, we are confident in our squad and our training. This season is different from the last, with new players and new challenges, but we are ready to compete from day one.”
East Bengal’s boss, Carles Cuadrat, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the fresh start and the need for competitiveness in the new campaign. “It’s a new season with different players and different circumstances. We have a complete squad, and our focus is on being competitive right from the start.”
Odisha FC Eyes Championship Glory
Odisha FC, under the guidance of Sergio Lobera, is also setting its sights on the ISL title. After finishing fourth last season and making it to the ISL semi-finals for the first time in the club’s history, Lobera is determined to build on that success.
“It’s been six years in India for me, and last season was remarkable for us. We topped our group in the AFC Cup, came close to winning the Super Cup, and made it to the ISL semi-finals. This year, we aim to replicate and surpass those achievements to bring joy to our fans,” Lobera declared.
Playoff Contenders Ready for Battle
NorthEast United, Punjab FC, and Jamshedpur FC also made their presence felt at the media interaction in Kolkata, each with ambitions of their own.
NorthEast United, fresh off their Durand Cup victory, are eager to carry that momentum into the ISL season. “Winning the Durand Cup was a huge moment for us, but we know that we need to keep our focus on the ISL. Past trophies don’t guarantee future success, and we’re ready to write a new story this season,” said head coach Vincenzo Alberto Annese.
Punjab FC’s new head coach, Panagiotis Dilmperis, expressed confidence in his squad’s potential. “We’ve assembled a group of talented players, and our goal is to surpass the heights we reached last season. We’re here to prove that our previous success was no fluke.”
Jamshedpur FC’s head coach, Khalid Jamil, praised the ISL’s new rules, including the requirement for Indian assistant coaches to hold an AFC Pro License and the introduction of concussion substitutes. “These new regulations are a positive step for the development of Indian football. We’ll be studying them closely to see how they can benefit us throughout the season,” Jamil commented.
As the 2024-25 ISL season approaches, the stage is set for intense competition, with Kolkata’s big three leading the charge and other teams eager to make their mark.
