A Tactical Overview of Mohun Bagan under Jose Francisco Molina

With broken heart the loyal Mariners disembarked the steps of the VYBK. The hope that once governed their hearts had been shattered into pieces. Meanwhile, it is time to look forward to the new Indian Super League Season which starts from 13th September, the inaugural match being between the defending League Premiers Mohun Bagan SG and the ISL Trophy Winners Mumbai City FC.

This article focuses on a complete tactical analysis of Mohun Bagan under Jose Francisco Molina ahead of the upcoming major tournaments, namely the Indian Super League, the AFC Champions League 2 and the Super Cup. We'll take a deep dive into what went wrong in the Durand Cup final and how Molina can iron out his flaws as soon as possible to guarantee the results the board and the fans might be looking for, and considering the completeness of the team barring a few positions, that must be quick.

What Went Wrong against the Highlanders

Let’s just for now recap what went wrong against NorthEast United FC. And for that, my readers will have to understand the concept of game-state. It is the psychological aspect when our brain and muscles react to any changes in situations within the game. 

Why do people consider the 2-0 scoreline as the most dangerous? Because it is the ultimate negative game state which motivates the losing team a lot while making the winning team complacent, and that’s probably what happened with the Bagan players that disappointing evening at the Krirangan. After the stellar first half, the players dropped their aggression, allowing the Highlanders back into the game.

But what went wrong exactly?

Courtesy: Sony Liv

The shape just after we just went up by a goal is depicted here. It was pleasing to see the counter pressing from the players around the NEUFC defensive midfielder, and even though we can notice a clear gap between the midfield and defence, which will be explaining in detail later, the shape is well kept, and the formation is well compact. 

Obviously I would have preferred them to mark the wingers better, but at that instance, this shape out of possession worked wonders. NorthEast's build up ended with Manvir on the right flank successfully dispossessing his marker and setting the Mariners on a counter. All good at that moment, as the players continued to mount more and more pressure on the opponent backline in and out of possession.    

Courtesy: Sony Liv

This image, snapped after NorthEast found the equaliser, however depicts the problems out of possession for Mohun Bagan, and I believe that my words here was reciprocated by Molina too after the game, where he, in a class act, realised and owned up to his mistakes.

As NorthEast were launching the ball, we can visualise the spaces between the Mohun Bagan players pressing them. A more baffling observation is the fact that no Bagan player was marking one of NE's defensive midfielders with Thapa having to run the extra yard. Moreover there was no marker for their wingback either indicating how defensive Mohunbagan players had become, which had been the usual trend in the entirety of the 2nd half.

Addressing it is needed not only because of the result but also because of the fact that we might be facing a high profile opponent in coming days, it is both a mentality and a tactical problem.

Glimpses of Brilliance in Attack Giving Mariners Confidence Going Forward 

Courtesy: Sony Liv

Even though the defensive shape in some parts has not impressed the fans at all, and that being Molina’s weakness, but the attacking shape of Mohun Bagan has been solid through, and the attackers had been fairly clinical. We can observe the support Liston is receiving from the midfielders who are holding a very compact shape, the advantage of that being its versatility and unpredictability.

If the midfielders find space between the Centre Backs, they can attempt a through ball, and even if they are marked tightly, they can try to beat the space and change the flanks. It was refreshing seeing Thapa managing to find himself in acres of space too, and it will be very useful for us if he does that more often, taking into account his laser-like vision.

Tactically the team remains half-complete. Although the Durand Cup is considered the commencement of the Indian Footballing Season, Mohun Bagan however probably considers it more as a Pre-Season tournament, where we get to see multiple experimental player selections and tactical approaches.

But it has to change once the top tier of Indian and the second tier of Asian Football commences, because that is when Mohun Bagan cannot afford to rest. With start signing Jamie Maclaren eyeing full fitness soon, the coach will need to find the best formation and playstyle to suit the players.

As always, MBFT wishes the very best to our players and the entire coaching and medical staff for a successful 24/25 Footballing Season.

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