The 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) is almost here, and Mohun Bagan Super Giant is ready for action. Fresh from winning the League Winners’ Shield last season, the Mariners are determined to take one more step and win the ISL title that eluded them in the final against Mumbai City FC.
With a new head coach, a re-energized squad, and key signings made during the summer transfer window, the Green and Maroon Brigade is looking to establish themselves as leaders in Indian football. This season they have clear aspirations: defending their League Winners’ Shield while securing the ISL Cup.
Jose Molina’s New Era
Juan Ferrando was let go by Mohun Bagan as they appointed Jose Molina on the eve of their next campaign. Molina whose name resonates with attacking football has been brought into our fold by way of a lift in creativity and tactical approach expected from him. His vast coaching experiences will help change here our way of playing thus becoming a serious contender for any title at ISL 11.
A fresh more aggressive style of play is expected from Molina that fans will enjoy. The team will not only hold more possession but also come up with high pressing styles meant to take on their opponents and completely render them defenseless.
The summer transfer window of 2024 was historic for Mohun Bagan as this Indian football club added several famous names to its squad. As a result, the Mariners have been turned into one of the most complete outfits in the history of the league with competent players at every position.
Key Signings: Mohun Bagan's Summer Transfer Window Success
Jamie Maclaren: The Goal Machine
One of Australia’s top strikers, Jamie Maclaren is an exciting signing who has a phenomenal record in the A-League. He netted an amazing 112 goals in under 150 games for Melbourne City and led them to three titles out of four seasons. Notably, Maclaren also played at the FIFA World Cup held in Qatar in 2022 with the Socceroos. Therefore, him being the main man upfront is what Mohon Bagan needs; they want him to replicate his scoring heroics in India.
Greg Stewart: Creative Midfield Maestro
Another big name landed by Mohun Bagan is former Mumbai City star Greg Stewart. Having scored 21 times and assisted another 21 during just 50 ISL games for Mumbai city FC last year, Stewart will add a new dimension to Mohun Bagan’s midfield this season. His capacity to score goals and assist them will be fundamental in penetrating tightly packed backlines this term. Jose Molina shall find Stewart’s expertise and technical skill invaluable.
Lalengmawia Ralte: Indian Football’s Next Big Thing
Mohun Bagan also invested heavily in the midfield by recruiting Lalengmawia Ralte, a promising young talent in Indian football. Ralte is known for his calmness and flexibility hence enhancing the core of Mariners while bringing steadiness in the middle of the park, which he would be offering. He has an exceptional ability to read the game therefore being an irreplaceable player this season.
Enhancing Defenders: Strong Backline Building
With Alberto Rodriguez and Tom Aldred coming on board, Jose Molina has been working hard to strengthen the Mariners’ defense. The towering Spanish defender Rodriguez comes with plenty of know-how accumulated over years spent playing in many European leagues. Tom Aldred, on the other hand, adds some toughness along with leadership skills due to his previous experience at Watford FC and Brisbane Roar FC. These two players will form a central axis for Mohun Bagan’s defense that cares a lot about their strength within Indian Super League (ISL).
Squad Depth and Tactical Flexibility
Although they offloaded various players in summer such as Anwar Ali, Hugo Boumous and Joni Kauko; Mohun Bagan succeeded to keep a well-balanced squad. New signings have filled positions left by the departed and thus they have players in all positions.
Mohun Bagan has plenty attacking options who can rotate during the season with quality players like Dimitri Petratos, Jason Cummings, Liston Colaco or even Ashique Kuruniyan himself. Equally strong is the midfield that consists of; Anirudh Thapa; Deepak Tangri as well as Sahal Abdul Samad which ensures creativity on one side and defensive shielding on another.
Mohun Bagan’s Squad for ISL 2024-25
Here’s a look at the full squad for Mohun Bagan Super Giant ahead of the new ISL campaign:
Goalkeepers: Vishal Kaith, Dheeraj Singh
Defenders: Tom Aldred, Alberto Rodriguez, Subhasish Bose, Asish Rai, Sumit Rathi, Dippendu Biswas, Raj Basfore, Ravi Rana, Amandeep
Midfielders: Lalengmawia Ralte, Anirudh Thapa, Deepak Tangri, Glan Martins, Sahal Abdul Samad, Greg Stewart, Abhishek Suryavanshi
Forwards: Dimitri Petratos, Jason Cummings, Manvir Singh, Liston Colaco, Ashique Kuruniyan, Taison Singh, Fardin Ali Molla, Suhail Bhat, Jamie Maclaren
But seeing as they have made new signings, changed their tactical setup under Jose Molina and crave unfulfilled potential, Mohun Bagan is in a good place to go on an outsized wave. Fans should expect fireworks when the Mariners aim for two titles.
