It’s rare to see a coach of either Kolkata giant urging fans to fill the stands, but this time, Mohun Bagan head coach Jose Molina did exactly that ahead of the much-anticipated derby.
At the pre-match press conference, Molina appealed to the supporters, saying, “It doesn’t matter what you (fans) have done in the last games, or what you will do in the future, but at least on Saturday, come to the stadium and back the team.”
In the last two IFA Shield matches, the Spaniard witnessed fans protesting against the management, still seeking answers for the club’s decision not to travel to Iran for the AFC Champions League 2 match against Sepahan SC on September 30. Since then, several supporters have boycotted matches. After Mohun Bagan’s 2–0 win over United Sports in their previous game, protests once again erupted outside the stadium, leading to a confrontation between fans and police.
Captain Subhasish Bose also echoed the coach’s appeal: “In our success, the fans have always played a key role. They are so passionate, and I would love to see them in large numbers in this derby. Their support will motivate us to give our best on the pitch.”
This derby carries more weight than usual for the Green and Maroon Brigade, especially after their loss to East Bengal in the Durand Cup quarter-final earlier this year. Molina, aware of the pressure, admitted, “The most important game for me is tomorrow,” .
For East Bengal head coach Oscar Bruzon the game is equally crucial. Despite winning the Durand Cup derby earlier this year, he is still chasing his first major trophy with the legacy club. This final is not just a clash of pride but also a chance to lift the prestigious IFA Shield.
Both teams have a clean bill of health. Mohun Bagan forward Manvir Singh, who missed the last derby, has recovered and is fit to play. Molina, however, noted that fitness is an issue for all the teams since the ISL is yet to begin. “According to GPS data, our players covered more distance and burned more calories in one training session than in their last two IFA Shield matches,” Molina revealed.
Adding spice to the contest are two intriguing duels — the Brazilian face-off between Miguel Ferreira (Mohun Bagan) and Robson Robinho (East Bengal), both former teammates at Bashundhara Kings under Bruzon. Reports suggest their relationship is strained, making tonight’s clash even more interesting.
East Bengal’s new Japanese striker Hiroshi Ibusuki, one of the tallest players in the club’s history at 6’5″, is set to make his debut. He is expected to come on as a substitute and will face Mohun Bagan’s tall defender Alberto Rodríguez (6’3″). East Bengal assistant coach Bino George, who attended the press conference in place of Bruzon, said, “Hiroshi knows very well about the Derby and its emotions. He joined East Bengal fully aware of what this match means.”
So far, 22 IFA Shield Finals have featured the famous Kolkata Derby. East Bengal have the upper hand, winning 13, while Mohun Bagan have lifted the trophy six times. Overall, in 41 IFA Shield meetings between the two, East Bengal have won 21, Mohun Bagan seven, and 13 ended in draws.
The last IFA Shield final between the two arch-rivals took place in 2003, when Mohun Bagan defeated East Bengal 5–3 on penalties.
With emotions running high, fans divided, and both teams chasing redemption, Saturday’s derby promises to be another memorable chapter in Kolkata football history.
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