Mohun Bagan Super Giant head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis has declared that victory is the only acceptable outcome as his side prepares to face NorthEast United FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 season opener on 12 October at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati. The Kolkata-based giants enter the campaign on the back of a productive pre-season, with Dilmperis insisting the team must play with greater aggression and intensity right from the first whistle.

An Away Opener Against a Familiar Foe

The Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium fixture on 12 October marks the first of two consecutive away matches for Mohun Bagan to begin their ISL campaign. The two sides have already met this season in the Durand Cup, giving both teams a degree of familiarity heading into Monday's encounter. Dilmperis views that prior exposure as an advantage, noting that competitive games during the pre-season have sharpened his squad's tactical flexibility.

Tactical Versatility Built in Pre-Season

The coach highlighted the value of working across two formations during the preparatory phase. 'Because we managed to work on two formations, we played 3-4-3, and we played 4-2-3-1. So, the players now, they adopt both of them, so we can use them in different games, or, during a game, we can switch. Most of the players have had playing time, and that playing time was under a lot of pressure because we wanted to take the title. The whole process was beneficial for us,' Dilmperis said.

This dual-formation readiness gives Mohun Bagan the option to adapt in-game — a notable upgrade from sides that rely on a single system. The approach also ensured that squad depth was tested under competitive pressure rather than in low-stakes friendlies.

Dilmperis Sets the Tone: Win or Nothing

On his ambitions for the new season, Dilmperis was unequivocal. 'I would love to see on the field a team that plays something a little bit more aggressive, with more intensity. It's true that because of the preparation season, we are not ready to do it for a long time during one game. We should win. There is no other result,' he said. His candour about fitness limitations — acknowledging the squad may need time to sustain high-intensity play for a full 90 minutes — reflects a measured realism alongside the bold winning mindset.

Squad Morale High After Pre-Season Trophies

Forward Lee Harry Erwin echoed the coach's confidence, pointing to the positive atmosphere within the dressing room. 'The atmosphere amongst the squad is very good, especially when you have the hurdles that we've had in the season. You see it in training; everybody's happy together. We have two trophies as well. It's good to build on this; it's a good platform,' Erwin said. Mohun Bagan's pre-season haul includes success in the IFA Shield, providing meaningful momentum ahead of the ISL campaign.

What to Watch in the Season Ahead

Mohun Bagan are perennial contenders, and a statement win in an away opener against NorthEast United FC would set the tone early. How quickly Dilmperis's preferred high-intensity system beds in across a gruelling ISL schedule — and whether the squad depth built in pre-season can sustain it — will be the defining question of their title challenge this season.