Mohun Bagan Super Giant midfielder Sahal Abdul Samad said the mentality is different at the Kolkata-based club. The Mariners won the double of the League Shield and Indian Super League title this season as they came up with a collective performance throughout the season.

Meanwhile, Samad won the ISL Emerging Player of the Season award in the 2019-20 campaign while playing for Kerala Blasters FC.

In 2023, Samad moved to Mohun Bagan Super Giant and won the League Shield with the club in his maiden season. 

“Like every team, when I was playing there (KBFC), we were all fighting for the trophy. You know how close we were . But, when I came here (MBSG), there was a feeling that this is a champion team,” he said in an interview to Sportstar.

“The players around, the mentality, the management, it is all different here. I am happy about the step I took, which is a difficult step. But thankfully, I could handle it well,” he added.

This season, Samad played 19 matches for Jose Molina’s team and provided one assist. The 28-year-old spent 816 minutes on the pitch this season.

Samad returned to action after recovering from injury during the pivotal playoff stage and also played at the top of his game in the all-important final against Bengaluru FC.

“Injuries are always part of football, and I always see it that way,” he said.

“The physios, the team medicals, they all supported me through this tough time. It was a lesson for me to be patient and keep working harder, and to do the necessary things outside of football,” he added.