Ahead of the upcoming season of the Indian Super League (ISL 2024-25), Mohun Bagan SG announced the arrival of José Francisco Molina as their head coach. He will replace his compatriot Antonio López Habas, who led the Mariners to their first League Shield during the 2023-24 season.
The Spanish head coach, who earlier experienced a successful campaign with ATK, led the team to ISL Cup victory in 2016. Notably, in 2016 he replaced Antonio López Habas to take charge of the Kolkata side.
Now, Molina is set to embark on his second stint in India and will be eyeing glorious feats with the Mariners during his tutelage.
“I am honoured to be part of Mohun Bagan Super Giant, a club with a rich legacy. I hope to bring more success to the club and its fans,” Molina said to the club media after joining the ISL 2022–23 Cup winners.
Mohun Bagan SG registered their first-ever ISL League Shield in the just-concluded 2023–24 season under the leadership of Antonio Habas. Additionally, the Mariners reached the ISL final for the second consecutive time in the same year, marking an eventful year for the team.
Molina had a notable stint as the Sporting Director of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, replacing Fernando Hierro, from 2018 to 2022.
The Spaniard expressed his delight at coaching a heavyweight Mohun Bagan SG side, kicking off a significant chapter in his managerial career.
Showering his gratitude to the club officials, Molina reacted, “I would also like to thank Dr Goenka for giving me this opportunity and giving me the responsibility to take charge as head coach of Mohun Bagan Super Giant.”