Mohun Bagan Super Giant is set for a new era on the sidelines after reaching an agreement with Punjab FC manager Panagiotis Dilmperis to become the club’s next head coach ahead of the upcoming season.
The Kolkata giants had been searching for a replacement for Sergio Lobera, whose contract expired at the conclusion of the 2025-26 campaign. After assessing several options, the Mariners have turned to the Greek tactician, who impressed during his spell with Punjab FC.
Dilmperis, 51, has been in charge of the Shers since 2024 and enjoyed a productive tenure with the club. Under his guidance, Punjab FC reached the semifinals of the AIFF Super Cup last season and remained in the race for the league title until the final matchday. His performances in the dugout attracted attention from several quarters, with Mohun Bagan ultimately securing an agreement for his services.
The move required negotiations not only with the coach but also with Punjab FC, as Dilmperis remained under contract with the club until 2027. Once the necessary paperwork is completed, he is expected to officially join the Mariners.
The Greek coach brings nearly two decades of managerial experience, most of it gained in his homeland. A UEFA Pro Licence holder, Dilmperis is known for favouring a counterattacking approach and typically deploys his teams in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
He will not be arriving alone. Assistant coach Konstantinos Katsaras and strength and conditioning coach Papaioannou Ioannis are also expected to join Mohun Bagan as part of the new coaching setup.
The appointment comes after a turbulent season for the Kolkata club. Mohun Bagan finished second in the Indian Super League standings on goal difference and endured instability in the technical area. The club parted ways with Jose Francisco Molina following its Super Cup exit before moving on from Lobera at the end of the league campaign.
The Mariners are also exploring additions to their squad, with Punjab FC defender Pramveer Singh and Nigerian striker Effiong Nsungusi among the players of interest. Pramveer emerged as one of the league’s promising young defenders, becoming the youngest ISL starter under Dilmperis and later earning his first senior India call-up.
Effiong, meanwhile, enjoyed an impressive debut season with Punjab FC, scoring seven goals and registering two assists in 15 appearances. The towering forward has been a free agent since June 1, 2026.
With a new coach set to take charge and transfer plans already underway, Mohun Bagan appears determined to strengthen its challenge for major honours in the season ahead.
