Latest news with #MBSG
India Gazette
04-07-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
MBSG is not just a club; this is our mother club: Dippendu Biswas
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], July 4 (ANI): Mohun Bagan Super Giant's (MBSG) Dippendu Biswas is living the dream that every young footballer aspires to, representing their favourite club at the highest level. But it's his hard work and dedication to the sport that have helped him turn that dream into reality. The 22-year-old from West Bengal had always imagined himself wearing the iconic Green and Maroon on the big stage, and now, he's doing just that. His raw talent was apparent early on, but he had to refine his professionalism to meet the demands of the Indian Super League (ISL). Biswas made his debut in the 2023-24 ISL season, featuring in five matches as Mohun Bagan Super Giant secured their first-ever ISL Shield. He built on that promise in the following campaign, making 14 appearances, contributing to five clean sheets, scoring once, and providing two assists. Versatile and composed, he slotted in both at centre-back and right-back, playing a key part in the club's march to the ISL double. 'It felt amazing to become champions with MBSG. It is truly one of the best clubs in India, and the fanbase is absolutely crazy. I'm genuinely grateful to be a part of this club,' Biswas shared in a conversation with MBSG TV. The defender shared how he went from the reserves to earning a place in the MBSG first team and later getting called up to the Indian U-23 squad for two exposure friendlies in June. Biswas said it was his determination that helped him reach this stage. 'I played in the Calcutta Football League (CFL) and then got into the MBSG reserves team. I always had this strong determination that I have to play better and get a chance in the Indian team. That motivation kept me going. When I joined the team for the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL), the coaches told me, 'If you perform well here, you'll get a chance to move up to the senior team.' And that's exactly what happened,' he added. Biswas has been a Mariner ever since and has completed the epic full circle, from being a fan to becoming a player for the club. He recalled going to the stadium with his friends and cheering for the team, never imagining he would one day wear the same jersey on the pitch. 'As a fan, I had watched many matches at the Mohun Bagan ground. I used to support the club and felt great when they won. I would watch the fans cheering loudly and now, I'm playing for the very club I once supported. It feels amazing. I never imagined I'd make it to the MBSG senior team. It's a matter of pride for me,' he shared. This season was even more special for him, as he got to celebrate the ISL Cup with his parents on the pitch, something which remained unfulfilled in the 2023-24 campaign when they lost the final to Mumbai City FC. 'Having my parents beside me in the final made it extra special. Last time they came, we lost the final. But this time, we did it and it felt really good,' Biswas spoke with pride. Biswas has enjoyed a successful start to his senior career, but he believes there's always more to strive for, as one should never settle for what has already been achieved. His next goal would be to keep pushing himself and unlock his full potential. 'It's important to honour the jersey we wear and give our all to help the team become champions (again). This is not just a club; this is our mother club. You must've heard it from the fans, and the same goes for me,' he commented. (ANI)
India Gazette
28-06-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
Fans remind us that MBSG is no ordinary club: Anirudh Thapa
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], June 28 (ANI): Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) midfielder Anirudh Thapa acknowledged that their collective spirit and utmost grit made it possible for them to complete the Indian Super League (ISL) double for the first time in the club's history. The Mariners enjoyed an excellent 2024-25 campaign, accumulating 56 points on the way to the League Shield and Cup double and registering 16 clean sheets, the most by any team in an ISL season in both regards, a release said. The journey to the double was not as easy as it looked. From succumbing to a heartbreaking defeat on penalties against NorthEast United FC in the Durand Cup final to a 0-3 defeat against Bengaluru FC at Kanteerava in their first away match of the 2024-25 season, MBSG had to fight hard to sustain momentum. Thapa shed light on the journey. 'The first big moment that I remember was the final of the Durand Cup because we played well and made it to the final. We were playing well in the final too, but unfortunately, we lost on the penalties,' he told MBSG TV. 'Then the season started again, a bit sloppy with some draws, then a win. Then, we lost against Bengaluru FC. I think that was the moment when we came together and all of us realised that this feeling shouldn't come back again. Everyone individually felt like, 'Hey, this isn't us; we can do better.' From that time on, we played matches, won games, kept clean sheets, and broke records -- it just kept going and going,' he added. The Mariners went on an eight-match unbeaten run following that result, winning seven of those games. However, their run was halted in Goa, another reality check. 'Then came a moment with FC Goa where we lost again. Our aim was simple -- to win the Shield first, then win the Cup, which we hadn't managed the previous year. Our team got stronger there; the bond between us grew even more because all the players' mentalities showed at that time,' Thapa remarked. The midfielder was also quick to acknowledge another vital factor in their run to the double - the fans, highlighting their energy, which served as a tonic to the team in difficult moments. 'The fan base isn't just some small-time group. It's been around for over 100 years. It's passed down from generation to generation. That history and those fans motivate the players. They remind them that this isn't just any ordinary club,' he said. 'When fans show up for every single match, supporting, shouting, and cheering, it creates this energy. There's a special vibe to it. The atmosphere they create makes playing so much more fun,' Thapa added. With great support comes great expectations, and it can weigh heavily on players. This is where experience in the Mariners' ranks came to the rescue. With a perfect blend of experience and youthfulness, Jose Molina's team struck the right balance. 'Our players are really humble, whether they're foreigners or Indians, juniors or seniors. They know why we're here -- to play football. So there's no ego or attitude like 'I'm the big shot' in any player. Even the foreigners have come from big clubs and have years of experience. And when they sit in the dressing room and talk with the players, no matter who they are -- us or the juniors -- they genuinely enjoy learning too,' Thapa concluded. (ANI)
India Gazette
22-06-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
Suhail Bhat's dream run: From watching on sidelines to playing for India and Mohun Bagan
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], June 22 (ANI): Suhail Bhat's rise from a ball boy to a national team player is nothing short of inspiring. Now, the young talent is living his dream at Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG), according to the official website of the Indian Super League (ISL). He was part of MBSG's historic Indian Super League double-winning squad in the 2024-25 campaign. He also won the Durand Cup and the League Shield in his debut season with the club in the 2023-24 season. Hailing from Jammu and Kashmir, Bhat started his career with Indian Arrows. Later, the forward joined the MBSG reserve squad, and his goalscoring potential caught the attention quickly, opening the doors to the first team. 'I used to play for the Arrows, and when we finished the AFC U-19, my agent called me and said, 'MBSG are interested in you.' I was like, 'Okay, I'm going there no matter how much money they're offering.' So, basically, right from the start, I felt in my heart that I wanted to join MBSG,' he said in an interview with MBSG TV, as quoted from the official website of ISL. 'After that, I came here and played for the reserve team. Back then, in the reserve team, we had a really good understanding among us, so because of that, I was able to score more goals. I scored goals in the Calcutta Football League (CFL) and in the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) as well. In my debut, I scored a hat-trick against Mohammedan (Sporting Club) SC--that was the best debut of my life. I scored that hat-trick. That's where my career started, and I never looked back and kept working harder and harder,' he added. Bhat took pride in being part of MBSG's squad. When quizzed about his thoughts on the Mariners' journey throughout the 2024-25 season, he answered, 'It's amazing. When I look back, it feels incredible. It's like an unbelievable season,' he noted. 'I still can't believe it--we've won so many trophies. So, when I look back now, I get that experience of how we work together as a team and how we get back up when we lose. So, it is all about the feeling of winning the Shield and the Cup together--it still feels like a dream,' he further added. Bhat showed glimpses of his talent in the Kalinga Super Cup 2025, where he scored two goals and was recently called up to the senior Indian national team. Under Manolo Marquez's guidance, he also made his debut for the Blue Tigers against Thailand in an international friendly. The 20-year-old forward shared his joy at receiving his first-ever national team call-up and spoke about the experience of sharing the dressing room with the likes of Sunil Chhetri and other senior players. 'Since I started playing football, I was in the under-16s, then under-19s, then under-23s (for the) AFC qualifiers. Every time, my focus was only to get into the senior team and experience playing at that level and play for the country,' he said. 'It was like a dream when I got my first call-up from the senior team. I still can't believe it. I've been there alongside everyone, including Sunil Chhetri Bhai and all the senior players who have helped and supported me. They're always telling me to keep going, and it's an amazing feeling to be there,' he signed off. (ANI)
India Gazette
18-05-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
ISL 2024-25: Forwards who fired up the season
New Delhi [India] May 18 (ANI): Forwards are the heartbeat of any team's attack. They do more than just score goals--they change the tempo, break stalemates, and carry the weight of hope. This season, they once again delivered when it mattered most, rising to the occasion and leaving a lasting impact. The top forwards of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 proved their worth time and again, according to the official website of ISL. From Golden Boot winner Alaaeddine Ajaraie to legend Sunil Chhetri, Jamie Maclaren to Jesus Jimenez, these forwards delivered some of the most captivating moments of the 2024-25 season, marked by sheer brilliance. Alaaeddine Ajaraie burst onto the scene in his debut season with NorthEast United FC (NEUFC), making history by winning both the Golden Boot and Golden Ball awards. He set a new league record for the most braces in a single season and became the first player to score three consecutive braces. The Moroccan star also made ISL history as the first player to score over 20 goals (23) and to register more than 25 goal contributions (30) in one season. Sunil Chhetri continues to surpass expectations, leading the ISL's all-time top scorers list while delivering an impressive season with 14 goals--the second-highest tally of his career. Besides being the highest Indian goalscorer this season, he made 16 goal contributions in the season, matching his career best. Chhetri led by example, playing a crucial role in Bengaluru FC's (BFC) push to the playoffs and their journey to the ISL Cup final. The Australian forward, Jamie Maclaren, enjoyed a remarkable season, bagging 12 goals -- the highest by any Mariner (MBSG) this season. His consistent scoring has been vital for Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) as they completed an ISL double for the first time in the club's history. Maclaren's clutch finishing and predatory instincts in the box lit up the league, with his dynamic goal-scoring prowess in full swing. Jesus Jimenez made a great impact in a short time. The Spanish forward scored 11 goals in the 2024-25 season, the second-highest such tally by any Kerala Blasters FC (KBFC) player in their debut season for the club. Jimenez recorded a shot conversion rate of 25.6% (11 goals from 43 shots), the second-highest such rate among players with a minimum of 10 shots this term. Luka Majcen played a pivotal role in Punjab FC's (PFC) attacking third. The Slovenian forward bagged 10 goals this season, the highest by any PFC player in the 2024-25 season. Despite suffering a jaw injury in the opening phase, Majcen averaged 0.5 goals per game and maintained a 28.57% goal conversion rate. Nikolaos Karelis was a constant threat in Mumbai City FC's (MCFC) attacking line throughout the 2024-25 season. The Greek forward enjoyed a standout debut campaign, finishing as the Islanders' top scorer with 10 goals to his name. He also maintained a 25% goal contribution rate and averaged 0.53 goals per game. Diego Mauricio was once again an integral part of Odisha FC's (OFC) offensive unit. Mauricio scored nine goals and provided six assists, playing an all-around role throughout the season. The Brazilian created 19 chances, attempted 13 successful dribbles, and won 47 duels while also recording a 23.08% goal conversion rate. Jason Cummings adapted well to his playmaking role this season, excelling with seven goals and six assists, and has been a dynamic presence in Mohun Bagan Super Giant's attack, especially in the second half of the season. Cummings showcased his wealth of attacking talent with exceptional goal-scoring and creative prowess, remaining a nightmare for opposing defenders. He also created 25 chances this season and recorded 54 touches in the opponent's box. Iker Guarrotxena played an anchoring role in FC Goa's (FCG) attacking unit. Guarrotxena registered 10 goal contributions this season while also creating 14 chances. The Spaniard's ability to produce decisive goals under pressure made him FC Goa's key man in crucial situations. Noah Sadaoui was a livewire on Kerala Blasters FC's wings with his burst of pace, sheer quality, and skill set. Boasting an inherent playmaking ability, Sadaoui became the first player to register 200 progressive carries in the 2024-25 season. He also racked up seven goals and five assists in his 19 ISL appearances for the Blasters. (ANI)
India Gazette
15-05-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
Head coaches defining the ISL 2024-25 season
New Delhi [India], May 15 (ANI): Head coaches are the cornerstone of any football team, the master strategists and cultural architects. From instilling a winning mentality and nurturing talent to devising tactical game plans and steering their squads toward glory, they are instrumental in defining a team's identity and success, as per the official website of ISL. The Indian Super League (ISL) has seen head coaches from around the globe leave their mark, guiding their teams with tactical acumen and leadership. From Jose Molina's record-breaking campaign with Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) to Jamshedpur FC's (JFC) resurgence under Khalid Jamil, the 2024-25 season has been shaped by the tactical brilliance and unwavering commitment of these figures on the touchline. Jose Molina led Mohun Bagan Super Giant to their first-ever ISL double this season. With several big names in the squad, the Spaniard easily managed the dressing room and guided the Mariners (MBSG) to break numerous league records. Molina's men accumulated 56 points in the 2024-25 Indian Super League season, becoming the first team to cross the 50-point mark in a single campaign. MBSG's defenders scored 14 goals, making them the first club to register 10+ goals by defenders in a single season. The team also scored 52 goals and kept 16 clean sheets, setting new benchmarks in the league. Gerard Zaragoza experienced an eventful campaign with Bengaluru FC (BFC), guiding the team to the playoffs and the ISL Cup final. Despite falling short of silverware, the Blues (BFC) showed steady progress under the Spanish head coach and consistently demonstrated their potential throughout the season. Under Zaragoza's leadership, Bengaluru FC conceded their first goal of the 2024-25 season after 494 minutes of play, becoming the first team to go over 400 minutes from the start of a season without conceding. The Blues' cohesion and lightning-fast transitions made them one of the most formidable sides this season. Khalid Jamil has proved his mettle time and again. The Indian head coach guided Jamshedpur FC to a top-six finish for the first time in three years and led them to the semi-finals--a remarkable achievement for a team that had spent recent seasons in the bottom half of the table. Under Jamil's guidance, Jamshedpur FC delivered impressive performances, relying on tactical awareness, particularly on home soil. The Men of Steel (JFC) showcased structure, discipline, and a resolute mentality under pressure. Their commitment to an old-school style of football, infused with renewed vigour, set them apart in the league and laid the foundation for something greater in the future. Manolo Marquez's men finished second to MBSG in the league standings, but FC Goa (FCG) were in the race for the League Shield throughout the season. Their consistent attacking dominance was evident as they scored in 23 consecutive league matches, becoming the first team to achieve this feat and setting a new benchmark in the league. FC Goa stood out for their versatility and emphasis on collective strength over individual brilliance. Under Marquez's guidance, several emerging talents like Brison Fernandes, Ayush Chhetri, and Hrithik Tiwari made their mark in the league, playing key roles for the Gaurs throughout the campaign. (ANI)
