Drazic’s Brace Powers Mohun Bagan to Victory as Panos Explains Tactical Adjustments
Panos on tactical changes and Drazic’s role
Asked about the tactical adjustments involving Chhangte, Manvir Singh and Drazic, Panos explained that the team had to adapt to the changing situation of the game and the absence of several key players.
With Miguel and Sahal unavailable, Mohun Bagan had to experiment with different combinations. Panos revealed that Chhangte was used in the number 10 role after discussions during the week, as the player had expressed his comfort with the position.
He also praised Manvir’s contribution from the right flank, pointing out that the winger was consistently creating opportunities and getting close to the opposition box.
Speaking about Drazic, Panos said he was satisfied with the player’s overall contribution. He explained that Drazic operated as a number 10, dropping towards the flanks and creating combinations, unlike his more advanced role during his time in Goa.
“I'm very satisfied with the player and we are lucky that we have him. But same again, that's his job!”
Defensive concerns and missed chances
Panos agreed that Mohun Bagan need to improve both their finishing and defensive concentration. Despite creating several clear opportunities in the first half, the team could not put the game beyond Odisha.
He also acknowledged the quality of Odisha goalkeeper, describing the young shot-stopper as one of the best in the country after Vishal Kaith.
The coach admitted that lapses in concentration at the back had led to goals being conceded and stressed that the team must address these issues.
On the defensive structure, Panos explained that Mohun Bagan have previously used Abhishek Singh on the left and Mehtab Singh on the right when they require more pace in defence. However, he also highlighted the importance of Subhasish Bose’s left-footed quality and his contribution from the left side.
Injury updates and Rahul Bheke’s absence
Panos expressed hope that the international break would prove beneficial for Mohun Bagan, with several players expected to return.
He mentioned Jamie Maclaren, Miguel and Apuia among the players whose availability could improve after the break, while expressing hope that Sahal would also recover.
The coach also clarified Rahul Bheke’s absence from the match, revealing that the defender has a broken bone and would need to wear a protective mask. Panos said he was not comfortable risking Bheke and had complete confidence in Mehtab Singh as his replacement.
Focus on Churchill Brothers before the derby
With important fixtures against Churchill Brothers and East Bengal awaiting Mohun Bagan after the break, Panos insisted that the immediate priority remains the next match.
“I saw Churchill Brothers today. In the first half, for 20-25 minutes, they were dominating NorthEast. So we have to be very focused, very humble and win this game. Then if we win it, we will talk about the derby,” he said.
🟢⚔ 𝐅𝐔𝐋𝐋𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄 ⚔🔴
— MBFT (@MBFT89) November 5, 2026
Mohun Bagan rise to the top of the table with 3 points after making two comebacks against Odisha FC.
{ Joy Mohun Bagan, MBFT } pic.twitter.com/5uItejwpyn
Man of the Match - Dejan Drazic
Dejan Drazic, who scored a brace and was named Man of the Match, spoke about the confidence gained from his recent performances.
“Like the coach said, score goals and help the team. This is my job. I get my salary for these things,” Drazic said with a smile.
Asked about his ability to operate in different attacking positions, the Serbian explained that he had been trained to play in multiple roles from a young age.
“In Europe, when we start playing football at a younger age, they teach us to play three or four positions because in modern football today, that is very important. So for me, this is easy.”
Drazic also spoke about his motivation to perform for the club and its supporters, saying that the goals give him confidence and the desire to keep improving.
When asked whom he would dedicate his performance to, Drazic answered:
Mohun Bagan will now look to use the international break to recover key players and work on the areas highlighted by Panos before returning to action against Churchill Brothers.
Follow MBFT on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Telegram, WhatsApp & Google News for Mohun Bagan and Indian football updates. Jai Hind Jai Bharat! Joy Mohun Bagan!
![](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.mbft.in/2026/11/Post-Match-PC-MBSGvOFC.html&media=https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXzCYr52uCtCZaxgkZIxjHbOJa11lYir3yyddKqd4tOuAI2J5tyyty-USFNXKzxDGqaVsMskPKbKCO93fVZHtoYWTp4J_0o1di2oTbI5jLoOcCjHIkixhm8WOg_dVvYf-HiRLTCyhIOuvPp4n2y2BaYomeDk-vunrySrrftNixW-E9544T97DYRJEOHcw/s1600/thumbnail.jpeg&description= \"Scoring goals is my job,\" says Dejan Drazic | MBSGvOFC Post-Match Press Conference){kind=link}