Mohun Bagan Super Giants head coach Jose Molina was delighted after getting one step closer to the League Shield with a convincing 3-0 win against Kerala Blasters FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi in the ongoing Indian Super League on Saturday.
After this win, the Mariners have won 15 out of their 21 matches with four draws and two losses. They have a total of 49 points under their belt, 10 more than second-placed FC Goa, who have one more game at hand.
Meanwhile, Jamie Maclaren scored a first-half brace whereas Alberto Rodriguez was able to put the game to bed as he scored in the 66th minute.
“We are in a good way. We are happy with the three important points today. We are one step closer to getting the shield. We have to keep going, keep working, because still the job is not done,” Molina said in the post-match press conference.
“We are going to celebrate tonight. But tomorrow (Sunday), we are going to start thinking about the Odisha FC match in Kolkata to try to win again, and it could be the game that gives us the League Shield. Now, more than ever, we have to be focused on our job and try to win the next match,” he continued.
While quizzed about the initial pressure created by the Blasters, Molina answered, “At the beginning of the first half, Kerala Blasters FC put us under pressure because they had the possession, they moved the ball in a good way, and we had to defend sometimes too deep. That gave them some chances to score. Overall, they had one good chance that Vishal (Kaith) saved. It was a great save. But we were not clear with the ball in the beginning.”
“We lost the ball too easily. But I think when we had the count to keep the ball and to move the ball, we had the chances. We had Jamie Maclaren, who successfully scored two goals today after two good actions from Liston (Colaco). And Jason Cummings, for the second one, a really good pass. And maybe that gave us more confidence. And maybe Kerala Blasters FC, after those two goals, dropped a little bit because I think it was tough for them,” Molina explained.
Mohun Bagan are looking all set to defend their League Shield title. They will next take on Odisha FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata on Sunday.
