Football

Chennaiyin FC (CFC), the two-time Indian Super League champion, has undergone a significant squad overhaul this season. The team boasts 13 new faces, including several promising young domestic players. Twelve players have departed the club for various reasons.Head coach Owen Coyle, known for his willingness to embrace challenges, is confident in his team's abilities. In his previous two seasons with CFC, he guided the team to the playoffs and even the final in 2019-20. This time, Coyle believes his squad has the depth and talent to make a strong run."We will probably get two players for every position (this time) and we didn’t have that last year, certainly to the strength and depth of the new season. But I think this year we know we have players who can be game-changers. So, it gives us certainly far more competition for places which really is important," Coyle said at a press conference.Coyle expressed his satisfaction with the players' desire to improve, which he sees as a positive sign for the club's performance and potential to win the tournament."We have players who really want to improve, both young and experienced, who want to put their hands up. For example, the experienced Mandar Rao Dessai has a point to prove. He has been a champion. He wants to show his quality again having played for East Bengal last year," Coyle said."So, everybody has got something to play for, and that is what I need. Players who are motivated and hungry, not feeling happy to play games," the 58-year-old Scot added.Chennaiyin will kick off its new season on September 14 against Odisha in Bhubaneswar. The players are aware of the competition within the squad and are eager to prove their worth.

Odisha FC, buoyed by their impressive AFC Cup campaign and a strong finish in the Indian Super League (ISL) last season, has set their sights on the ISL title this year. Head coach Sergio Lobera expressed confidence in his team's ability to challenge for the championship, stating that they are better prepared than ever before."We had an amazing season last year, finishing at the top of the group in the AFC Cup. We were close to winning the Super Cup and we reached the ISL semifinals for the first time in the club's history. I am very proud of what we did last season. And hopefully, with more luck we can do a little bit more this season," Lobera said.Odisha FC's determination is shared by other teams in the league. Mohammedan SC, after winning the I-League last season, is eager to make an impact in the ISL. Head coach Andrey Chernyshov emphasized the importance of making their promotion count by reaching the playoffs.NorthEast United FC, which narrowly missed out on the playoffs last season, is also aiming high. Coach Juan Pedro Benali acknowledged the team's past success in the Durand Cup but stressed the need to focus on the ISL.Mohun Bagan Super Giant, the defending ISL champions, is looking to retain their title with a revamped squad. New coach Jose Molina is confident in the team's preparation and is determined to keep the League Shield in Kolkata.East Bengal FC, another Kolkata-based club, has also bolstered its squad and is hoping for a better performance this season. Coach Carles Cuadrat expressed optimism that the team can make it to the knockout stages.Punjab FC and Jamshedpur FC are also among the teams hoping to make a mark in the ISL. Coach Panagiotis Dilmperis of Punjab FC and Jamshedpur FC's coach analyzed their chances and expressed their desire to perform well.The ISL is set to be a competitive and exciting season, with several teams vying for the title. Odisha FC, with its strong determination and improved squad, is certainly one to watch.

The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season is set to kick off with a thrilling clash between Shield winners Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Cup winners Mumbai City FC on September 13 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata. This blockbuster encounter will be a rematch of last season's final.The ISL has announced the fixtures for the first 84 matches of the season, which will run until the end of the year. The opening weekend will also feature Chennaiyin FC traveling to Odisha FC, while Bengaluru FC will take on East Bengal FC in the first double-header of the season on September 14. Kerala Blasters FC will host Punjab FC the following day at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi.Hyderabad FC will begin their campaign with an away fixture at Bengaluru FC on September 19, subject to their clearance of the AIFF Club Licensing. This season of the ISL will witness the addition of I-League champions Mohammedan Sporting Club, who will kick-start their campaign against NorthEast United FC at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on September 16.With the entry of Mohammedan Sporting, the ISL will now feature the three most storied football clubs from Kolkata: Mohun Bagan Super Giant, East Bengal FC, and Mohammedan Sporting Club. This will result in six high-intensity Kolkata derbies throughout the season. The first two Kolkata derbies are scheduled for October: Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs Mohammedan FC on October 5 and East Bengal FC vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant on October 19.Mohun Bagan Super Giant won the ISL League Shield in the 2023-24 season, while Mumbai City FC emerged victorious in the ISL final after a knockout round. The upcoming season promises to be equally exciting, with 13 teams competing for the coveted trophy.

Mohammedan Sporting Club Ascends to Indian Super LeagueThe Indian Super League (ISL) has welcomed Mohammedan Sporting Club (MSC) as its newest member, effective from the 2024-25 season. This historic move marks a significant milestone for MSC, one of India's oldest and most decorated football clubs, as they step up to compete in the top tier of Indian football.MSC's promotion follows their impressive performance in the 2023-24 I-League, where they clinched the title with a commanding 52 points. The Kolkata-based club demonstrated remarkable consistency throughout the season, securing 15 victories and seven draws while suffering only two defeats. Their attacking prowess was evident as they netted 44 goals, while their defensive strength was highlighted by conceding just 22 goals.With this achievement, Mohammedan SC becomes the second club, after Punjab FC, to earn promotion to the ISL from the I-League. Their inclusion brings the total number of clubs in the ISL to 13, enhancing the league's competitive landscape and expanding its reach.This promotion also adds another representative from Kolkata to the ISL roster. MSC's entry will see them join existing Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC, further enriching the footballing culture in the city. The fans can expect more derbies.As Mohammedan SC prepares for their debut in the ISL, fans and analysts alike are eagerly anticipating how the historic club will fare against the league's elite teams. Their ascension to the ISL is a testament to their enduring legacy and the growing strength of Indian football.

Chennaiyin FC, eager to secure their first victory and maintain their playoff aspirations, will face Jamshedpur FC in a crucial Group D encounter of the Durand Cup 2024 at Jamshedpur's JRD Tata Sports Complex on Sunday.In their tournament opener, the Marina Machans suffered a narrow defeat to Indian Army FT, conceding a goal late in the first half. Despite their valiant efforts to equalize in the second period, Chennaiyin failed to find the equalizer, leaving them third in the group standings after the first round of matches."As a team, we attacked well in the last game, especially in the second half. We created chances, but we need to capitalize on them and score goals," said assistant coach Noel Wilson. "Until you score, your defense remains under pressure."A victory against Jamshedpur could propel Chennaiyin ahead of their ISL rivals, provided the scoreline and the result from the other game favor them. After three games, the group winners and the two best second-placed teams will advance to the quarter-finals."Both remaining games are crucial for us," Wilson emphasized. "We must win this game against Jamshedpur FC. We face a formidable opponent, but if we work hard as a team and convert our chances, we can turn things around. Winning the next game gives us a chance in the third game.""We have a chance to qualify, but we need to win games. We must work harder and aim for a positive result in the next match," Wilson added.The Durand Cup, currently in its 133rd edition, is Asia's oldest existing football club competition and the fifth oldest in the world.

Jose Molina, the former ATK champion coach, has taken charge of the Indian Super League shield winner Mohun Bagan Super Giant. Molina emphasized the importance of consistency and delivering top-notch performances in every match, regardless of the tournament. He believes that every game should be treated as the most crucial fixture on the calendar.Molina's return to Kolkata after an eight-season absence marks a significant moment for Mohun Bagan. He previously led ATK to the ISL title in 2016. After serving as the sporting director of the Royal Spanish Football Federation for four years, Molina is eager to maintain Mohun Bagan's status as a top-tier football club in India.Molina's first assignment with Mohun Bagan will be the Durand Cup match against Indian Air Force on August 8. The team is determined to continue its winning streak and maintain its dominance in Indian football.

Emami East Bengal, the Kolkata football giant, has unveiled a star-studded squad ahead of the upcoming season, aiming for greater success after finishing ninth in the previous Indian Super League (ISL) edition. The team has significantly reinforced its roster with the addition of Greek striker Dimitrios Diamantakos, French playmaker Madih Talal, India international Jeakson Singh, and emerging talent David Lalhlansanga.Coach Carles Cuadrat expressed optimism about the team's prospects, acknowledging the challenges faced last season due to injuries and suspensions. "We hope we can put up a better challenge and performance as we have a bigger squad with bigger names," he said.The team's immediate focus is on the Durand Cup and the AFC Champions League preliminary stage match against Turkmenistan's FC Altyn Asyr on August 14. Cuadrat emphasized the importance of depth in the squad, which he believes will be crucial for success in both competitions.Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan Super Giant has strengthened its foreign contingent by signing Australian World Cupper Jamie Maclaren, a five-time A-League Golden Boot winner. Maclaren's arrival adds firepower to Bagan's attack, which already boasts the likes of Dimitri Petratos, Greg Stewart, and Jason Cummings.

Emami East Bengal has bolstered its squad ahead of the upcoming football season by signing French midfielder Madih Talal on a two-year contract. Talal, who previously played for Punjab FC, was the top assist provider in the Indian Super League (ISL) last season.The attacking midfielder joins Dimitrios Diamantakos to strengthen East Bengal's attacking options. The club has also retained the services of Brazilian forward Cleiton Silva, Jordanian defender Hijazi Maher, and Spanish midfielder Saul Crespo.East Bengal has also added to its Indian roster by signing forward David Lalhlansanga and midfielder Mark Zothanpuia. The club has extended the contract of India international Mahesh Singh Naorem.The signings are part of East Bengal's efforts to improve its performance after finishing ninth in the ISL last season. The club will be playing in the Durand Cup, scheduled to start in the final week of July, before hosting the AFC Champions League Two preliminary stage match against Turkmenistan's Altyn Asyr FC on August 14 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.

Mumbai City FC emerged victorious in the Indian Super League (ISL) final, defeating Mohun Bagan Super Giant 3-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. The triumph marked Mumbai City's second ISL title, having previously won in 2020-21.The first half saw Mohun Bagan take the lead through Jason Cummings' goal just before the break. However, Mumbai City rallied in the second half, with Pereyra Diaz equalizing in the 53rd minute. The momentum shifted in Mumbai City's favor, and Bipin Singh gave them the lead in the 81st minute. Jakub Vojtus sealed the victory for Mumbai City in injury time.Mumbai City dominated possession throughout the match, enjoying 66% of the ball. They created several chances in the first half but failed to capitalize. After the break, they showed greater incisiveness and determination, breaking down Mohun Bagan's defense.Mohun Bagan, the home favorite, started the match brightly but faded after the equalizer. They struggled to create clear-cut chances and were unable to match Mumbai City's intensity in the second half.The victory was a testament to Mumbai City's resilience and tactical adaptability. They overcame a slow start and showed their class in the second half. The title triumph is a significant achievement for the club, which has established itself as a force in Indian football.