The ISL 2024-25 Media Day kicked off in Kolkata, with representatives from seven clubs, including Mohun Bagan Super Giant, East Bengal FC, Mohammedan SC, Odisha FC, Jamshedpur FC, and NorthEast United FC, providing a preview of the upcoming season. The event saw a mix of new and experienced faces, with coaches like Mohun Bagan’s Jose Molina and Punjab FC’s Panagiotis Dilmperis making their ISL debuts, while veterans such as Sergio Lobera, Khalid Jamil, Juan Pedro Benali, and Carles Cuadrat shared their strategies for the new season.
The day began with Andrey Chernyshov, head coach of the newly-promoted Mohammedan SC, expressing his excitement about joining the ISL. His captain, Samad Ali Mallick, highlighted their goal to compete for a playoff spot immediately. Chernyshov said, “It’s a nice feeling to be part of the ISL family. We did a great job last year by winning the I-League, and I am thrilled for our supporters. I can’t wait to get started with the league.”
Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan and East Bengal FC also expressed their confidence ahead of the new season. Mohun Bagan’s coach, Jose Molina, emphasized the importance of the team’s preparation, while East Bengal’s Carles Cuadrat stressed that this season would be different from the last, with his team ready to compete from the start.
Odisha FC, who had a strong finish last season, are aiming to build on their success. Coach Sergio Lobera reflected on their impressive performance across multiple competitions in 2023-24 and expressed his desire to replicate that success in the upcoming season.
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The media day also featured discussions from coaches of Punjab FC, NorthEast United FC, and Jamshedpur FC, all of whom had narrowly missed out on playoff spots last season. NorthEast United’s Juan Pedro Benali, whose team recently won the Durand Cup, stated, “Trophies in the past don’t make you play better. You are only as good as your last game.” Jamshedpur FC’s Khalid Jamil praised the ISL’s new rules, including the introduction of concussion substitutes and the requirement for an AFC Pro License-holding Indian assistant coach, highlighting their potential to aid in the development of Indian football.
Punjab FC’s new coach, Panagiotis Dilmperis, expressed satisfaction with his team’s new signings and their preparation for the season. He emphasized the importance of a strong start, with skipper Luka Majcen echoing his sentiments.
The second day of the Media Day will take place in Kochi, featuring Mumbai City FC, FC Goa, Chennaiyin FC, Bengaluru FC, Hyderabad FC, and Kerala Blasters FC. The ISL 2024-25 season is set to begin on September 13, 2024, at 7:30 PM IST, with matches broadcast on JioCinema and the Sports18 network.
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