Sat Sep 14 04:46:52 UTC 2024: ## Mohun Bagan Super Giant Frustrated by Defensive Lapses in ISL Opener

Kolkata, September 14, 2024: Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) head coach Jose Francisco Molina expressed his disappointment with his team’s defensive performance after a 2-2 draw against Mumbai City FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) season opener on Friday.

Despite leading 2-0 at halftime, MBSG allowed Mumbai City FC to claw their way back in the second half. Molina attributed the draw to defensive lapses, noting that while his team defended well for most of the match, two critical mistakes allowed Mumbai City FC to capitalize and equalize.

“We made mistakes in some specific actions, but the game was under control,” Molina said in the post-match press conference. “Mumbai City FC had more possession than us. They didn’t cause us many problems, and we had to defend more than we wanted. But we were defending well. We did not concede too many chances for them to score. But in two actions, they took advantage of our mistakes, and that’s the problem.”

The draw continues a worrying trend for Mohun Bagan, who have struggled to hold onto leads in recent matches, including the Durand Cup final where they conceded a two-goal lead before losing on penalties.

Molina acknowledged that his team is still adjusting to his coaching style and needs time to improve. “To be honest, we’re not at the same level as Mumbai City FC. They had a better pre-season because they did not play in the Durand Cup. They had the same coach from last year, which is an advantage for them,” he explained. “I’m a new coach, and for a team to adapt to any new coach, there is a process, and mistakes are made.”

Despite the frustration, Molina remains confident that his team will improve defensively and secure wins in the upcoming matches. “The truth is, we don’t have much time to make mistakes. We have to play better and defend better to win matches,” he said. “Of course, at this moment I’m upset. I’m working every day with my players to avoid conceding goals. We have to focus on that, keep working, stay positive, and hopefully, in the next matches, we will play better.”

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