ISL: Mohun Bagan has already secured the ISL League Shield, but now they have their eyes on the ISL Cup. As they gear up to face Jamshedpur FC in the first leg of the semi-final on Thursday, head coach José Molina has made it clear that he is not thinking about the final yet. His focus remains solely on the upcoming match.

Mohun Bagan Ready for the ISL Semi-Final

Following their League Shield triumph, Bagan had an extended break before resuming training for the semi-finals. Addressing the media, Molina said:
“We had a long break, and our players got some rest. We have been preparing for the semi-finals for a few days now. Our goal is to prove that we are the best team.”

However, Molina emphasized that they are taking one match at a time.
“All three remaining matches will be tough. We are not even thinking about the second leg yet, let alone the final. Our priority is to win both semi-final legs first and then focus on the final.”

Bagan Players in Top Form Despite the Break

Despite the long gap, Molina is confident that his team has not lost momentum. Several players had been on national duty, while others enjoyed a short break. Now, they have all returned, and the squad is fully focused on their title ambitions.

“We are confident. Our players are in great form. Winning is the only goal. The League Shield made us happy, but lifting the ISL Cup will be even more special.”

Goalkeeper Vishal Kaith’s Form and Concerns

A key figure in Mohun Bagan’s League Shield victory was goalkeeper Vishal Kaith, who kept 14 clean sheets. However, he made a few mistakes while playing for the national team against Maldives and Bangladesh, raising concerns about his form.

Molina, however, dismissed any worries:
“Vishal has played only two games for the national team. Football is a team sport. If the defense doesn’t support him, what can a goalkeeper do alone? At Mohun Bagan, he had a strong defensive setup, which helped him keep 14 clean sheets. Mistakes happen, but Vishal is mentally strong. I trust him, and I know he will perform well against Jamshedpur.”

Best Home Record But Focus on the Away Leg First

Mohun Bagan has the best home record in ISL this season, and the second leg will be played at the Salt Lake Stadium (Yuva Bharati Krirangan). However, Molina is not thinking ahead:
“In a two-legged tie, a bad result in the first match can be costly. That’s why we are only focusing on winning the away game first.”

Molina also pointed out that Bagan played one of their best games against Jamshedpur in the league stage but failed to win.
“We dominated Jamshedpur in the league but couldn’t win. However, not all performances are judged by results. This time, we want to finish the job and leave the pitch with a victory.”

Jamshedpur and Injury Concerns

Molina acknowledged the threat posed by Jamshedpur and also praised their head coach, Khalid Jamil. However, he remains focused on his own team’s performance.

A slight concern for Bagan is the fitness of Manvir Singh and Apuia, both of whom are not fully fit. Molina said,
“We are monitoring them. They have traveled with the squad but are not at 100%. We will make a final decision on match day.”

ISL Semi-Final: Mohun Bagan vs Jamshedpur – High Stakes Battle

With Mohun Bagan aiming for their second ISL title, the semi-final against Jamshedpur FC will be a crucial test. Can they take a step closer to the ISL Cup? Stay tuned for all the latest updates on the Indian Super League 2025!