We must play good football and win games to make the Mariners proud.-Sergio Lobera.
6 Matches. 4 wins in a row. 1 draw. 1 loss.
The graph shows the downward trend, but there are no second chances this time.
Every match matters. Every point matters.
After losing against Mumbai City FC at home, the squad got a one-week break and 6 Mariners got the call to represent India in the international break.
In the light of tomorrow's away match, the players arrived a day earlier in a bus, in the city of Jamshedpur to acclimatise to the weather and get some practice sessions going before the big match.
In the pre-match Press Conference, Coach Sergio Lobera appeared before the media.
Speaking about the last two matches, Coach Lobera said," We lost 5 points from the last two matches. Game against BFC was okay but the last match against Mumbai City FC was a disappointment. We missed our good opportunity to create gap [of points] with the opponents. It is my responsibility as a Coach to improve from the mistakes of last game and be ready for tomorrow's game, which will be difficult against a very good opponent [JFC]."
After the results of last two matches, Coach Lobera said the team is excited to play the upcoming match. "When you dont get the results you want, you want to play the next game because you want to feel good again.", said Sergio.
In this away match, the Coach recognises the opportunity to go back to the top of the Table.
Coach further spoke about his memories at JRD Tata Complex. "I have very good memories about this place, but it is not always easy to play here." Though there might be many excuses, he stayed firm on his resolve saying,"I have a very good squad. We cannot complain about anything. No excuses. I am lucky as a Coach and we have to try to find the way to improve from last game and give our best and win tomorrow. It is a difficult opponent and we are ready for this challenge!"
When asked about his previous stints in comparison to his current role as the Coach of Mohun Bagan, Sergio Lobera said,"I am in a winning Club. I am in a Champion's Club! When you sign with Mohun Bagan, you already know the level of demands of this Club. Similar to Barcelona and Real Madrid, finishing in the 2nd Position doesn't make you happy [is not enough]. For a Coach, it is the opportunity to fight for everything. In last 7 years of coaching in ISL, only last year I was able to take my then-team Odisha FC to the Playoffs. But now, it is compulsory to win. As a Coach, you don't have any excuses. You need to win. You need to win trophies! To feel pressure means you are in the Biggest Club. "
Lobera promised a different style of play against JFC in contrast to the style we saw against MCFC. In terms of philosophy, he believes in attacking football while keeping ball possession. Apart from that, improvement in set pieces was worked upon under Assistant Coaches, David Deogracia Marquez and Bastab Roy.
Later in the sunny and humid evening, Liston Colaco stepped up to answer a few questions.
Liston spoke about his mentality. "I remains confident at all times. My focus stays sharp for the matches.", he said. Speaking about the recent games, Liston said," I am not that happy with my performance till now. There was huge break in between tournaments but we had a good pre-season, so we have no excuses. We have to do well in the next game against JFC."
He was candid about his playstyle saying," I don't think I hold onto the ball that much. I am here to play football so I must play with the ball. The more I have the ball, the better I will play! I prefer to play with the ball rather than running behind it. "
Up Next: JFC Away Battle! 🔥
— MBFT (@MBFT89) April 3, 2026
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In the end, the Coach sent a message to his players:" The biggest target for us is to make the people happy! And we have the tools to do it. The crowds travelled to Bengaluru and they have travelled to Jamshedpur to support us and help us win. We [Mohun Bagan] must play good football and win games to make the people [Mariners] proud! "
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