"If you want to win trophies, you don’t need only 11 players,” he said. “You need a full squad." - Sergio Lobera
On the 9th of May, Mohun Bagan faces FC Goa in a fixture that could shape the direction of the title race itself. FC Goa remain one of the most disciplined and dangerous sides in the League, especially at home. But for the Mariners, this match is about, more than just three points. It is about response. It is about reclaiming control. It is about taking back what many in Green and Maroon consider rightfully theirs.
And with the pressure mounting and the title race tightening, Sergio Lobera walked into the pre-match press conference carrying the weight of a season that suddenly feels far more intense.
Despite the growing discussions surrounding the league table, magic figures and the possibility of a title race involving the two Kolkata giants, Lobera refused to entertain long-term calculations. "There can be many calculations", the Spaniard said. " But my only calculation now is to get three points against FC Goa. "
The Mohun Bagan Head Coach made it clear that thinking too far ahead could become a dangerous distraction. " To think where we are going to be at the end of the season would be a big mistake, " he explained. " My focus now is FC Goa. "
That single-minded mentality has become a recurring theme under Lobera. Step by step. Match by match. Final after final. And according to the Spaniard, FC Goa Match is exactly that. "A Final Game.", as he described it. The Mariners also received a major boost ahead of the fixture, with Alberto Rodriguez and Apuia both returning to fitness after injury concerns. " Yes, they are ready to play against FC Goa. They are working well and they are fit to play this game. ", Lobera confirmed.
However, the challenge awaiting Mohun Bagan in Goa extends beyond just the opposition. The heat. The humidity. The exhausting 5 PM kick-off. Lobera, who spent three years coaching in Goa, knows those conditions better than most. Although the Spaniard acknowledged that a different kick-off time would naturally be preferable, he insisted that adaptation is part of elite football. “The weather is not only hot but also has a lot of humidity,” he admitted. “But these are just excuses. We need to be ready to compete at the highest level.” “We know the schedule from the beginning,” he said. “We cannot complain now, one day before the match.”
The scheduling itself has been unusual. Mohun Bagan are entering the fixture after 20-days break from competitive football, only to face a packed run of fixtures immediately afterwards.For many coaches, such a situation could become a reason for frustration. Not for Lobera though. “We have two ways,” he explained. “To try to find solutions or to try to find excuses. Complaining and trying to find excuses is not my way.”
The Mohun Bagan coach repeatedly emphasized the importance of squad depth during this decisive phase of the season. “If you want to win trophies, you don’t need only 11 players,” he said. “You need a full squad.”
Questions surrounding a potential Kolkata Derby title decider also emerged during the interaction. But even with emotions surrounding the rivalry intensifying, Lobera firmly shut down any attempt to shift focus away from Goa. “I think we need to respect all of the teams,” he said. “Now is not the moment to speak about the Derby.”
Instead, Lobera preferred to focus on what has defined his approach all season — balance. For the Spaniard, football cannot be viewed through extremes. “When we got a draw against Bengaluru or Jamshedpur, it was not a disaster,” he explained. “And when we are winning, we also know we can improve .” The Spaniard also pointed towards areas where Mohun Bagan still need improvement despite their strong position in the table. “We need to be more clinical sometimes,” he said. “And also have more balance.” The Mohun Bagan coach believes the true measure of a championship-winning side lies in how it reacts during difficult moments. “The best team is the team who manages difficult moments in the best way," Lobera stated. That belief will be tested heavily in Goa.
According to Lobera, Mohun Bagan’s attacking philosophy naturally leaves spaces behind during transitions, something the team must continue working on. “We are an attacking team," he explained, “And sometimes, during transitions we are suffer." "Now it is in our hands to finish top of the table,” Lobera declared, “And we are going to fight for that!”
Following the coach, Jason Cummings stepped forward to address the media.
The Australian international, known as much for his personality as his football, once again brought energy and honesty to the press conference room. Reflecting on his season so far, Cummings admittedly said," When I’m on the pitch, I give 100 % every time for this club,” he said. “Whenever I’m called upon, I’m happy to help the boys."
Cummings has operated in multiple positions this season, striker, support forward, attacking midfielder, and even deeper roles depending on tactical requirements. Yet adaptability appears to be something he genuinely enjoys. “If coach asks me to play centre-back next game, I’m sure I’ll enjoy playing there too!” he joked, drawing laughter inside the room.
Too 𝑳𝒊𝒕 to handle 🤌😮💨#MBSG #JoyMohunBagan #আমরাসবুজমেরুন pic.twitter.com/fLdTK53pxp
— Mohun Bagan Super Giant (@mohunbagansg) May 2, 2026
Credit - @mohunbagansg
Beneath the humour, lay an important truth about the Mohun Bagan squad - Unity.
According to Cummings, the dressing room atmosphere remains one of the club’s greatest strengths. " We’ve got an amazing dressing room,” he continued, “The boys are like a close family. We’re like brothers. I see these guys more than my actual family. Any successful team comes from a good dressing room. We all genuinely want each other to do well."
The title race has tightened. The road to trophies is rarely comfortable. It demands composure when the pressure rises. Belief when the noise grows louder. And character when the margin for error disappears. Mohun Bagan now stand at exactly such a moment of the season. And the Mariners have spent years building their reputation on nights exactly like these!
And now, another one awaits!
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