The defending Indian Super League champions have made a decisive coaching change midway through their 2025-26 campaign. Mohun Bagan Super Giant announced Sergio Lobera Rodriguez as their new head coach on November 26, 2025, with the Spanish tactician signing his contract on Wednesday. The 47-year-old replaces Jose Molina and will oversee his first training session on November 30.
This appointment marks a significant shift in the Kolkata club’s technical direction following a period of internal tension despite historic success. Lobera arrives with extensive Indian football credentials, having previously delivered silverware at both FC Goa and Mumbai City FC during his previous stints in the country.
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Why Mohun Bagan Parted Ways with Jose Molina
The separation between Mohun Bagan and Jose Molina represents one of the most surprising coaching changes in recent ISL history. Molina joined the club on June 11, 2024, and delivered an unprecedented ISL League Shield and ISL Cup double in 2024-25, placing the club alongside Mumbai City FC as only the second team to achieve this feat in the same season. His points-per-match average of 2.13 during this period underscored exceptional consistency.
However, the 2025-26 season brought a steep decline. Early exits from the Durand Cup, AFC Champions League Two, and Super Cup created a sequence of setbacks that fractured confidence in Molina’s long-term suitability. The team’s points-per-match dropped sharply to 1.57 across seven matches in the new campaign.
| Jose Molina’s Mohun Bagan Record | Details |
|---|---|
| Appointment Date | June 11, 2024 |
| Historic Achievement | ISL Shield + ISL Cup double (2024-25) |
| 2024-25 Points Per Match | 2.13 |
| 2025-26 Points Per Match | 1.57 |
| Major Issue | Early tournament exits, tactical rigidity |
Beyond results, deeper issues emerged. Club insiders suggested growing discomfort within the squad, with differences between players and coaches contributing to an improper dressing room mood. Molina’s public criticism of the club’s recruitment strategy proved the final breaking point, with management firmly believing that recruitment authority lay with the club structure rather than the head coach.
The decision reflected a fundamental breakdown in institutional alignment. Molina’s restrictive use of full-backs limited attacking width and fluidity, with the conservative approach faltering in knockout scenarios where proactive risk and strategic rotation were essential. The tactical rigidity, combined with delayed preseason preparation for 2025-26, left the squad underprepared for the demanding multi-competition calendar.
Who is Sergio Lobera?
Sergio Lobera Rodriguez, born January 16, 1977, in Zaragoza, Spain, represents one of the most successful coaches in ISL history. His journey through Indian football has been defined by attacking philosophy, possession-based play, and consistent silverware.
After impressing with Dosa Salesians and UFB Jàbac Terrassa, Lobera signed with FC Barcelona in 1997, going through its youth system and managing the C team in 2006-07 in the Tercera División. His Barcelona pedigree would later influence his tactical approach across multiple continents.
Before arriving in India, Lobera coached in Spain, Morocco, and China. At Moroccan club Moghreb Tetouan, he led them to a strong 2015 African Champions League campaign, getting through the preliminary round for the first time in their history.
The FC Goa Revolution (2017-2020)
Lobera’s Indian journey began with FC Goa in 2017, where he immediately transformed the club’s identity. He entered with a blueprint that was bold, attacking, and heavily inspired by his roots in Spanish football, leading the team to ISL playoffs for three consecutive seasons.
His achievements with the Gaurs included multiple historic firsts. In the 2019-20 season, FC Goa finished top of the league to win the Shield, a first in the club’s history, and became the first Indian club to qualify for the AFC Champions League group stage. He also delivered the 2019 Super Cup title, defeating Chennaiyin FC in the final.
What distinguished Lobera’s work was his development of Indian talent. He helped elevate the games of players like Mandar Rao Dessai, Seriton Fernandes, Brandon Fernandes, and Jackichand Singh, creating a strong domestic core that complemented his foreign stars. The team wasn’t just winning – they were entertaining with attacking football that made them fan favorites.
Mumbai City FC Dominance (2020-2021)
Lobera’s move to Mumbai City FC in 2020 proved his ability to marry style with silverware. In the 2020-21 season, Mumbai City became the first club in ISL history to win both the League Winners Shield and the ISL Championship in the same season, achieving an unprecedented domestic double.
The final against ATK Mohun Bagan showcased his tactical mastery. Mumbai edged their Kolkata rivals 2-1, with Bipin Singh scoring the winner in the 90th minute, a moment that remains etched in ISL history. The team featured dynamic players like Hugo Boumous, Bartholomew Ogbeche, Mourtada Fall, and Ahmed Jahouh, playing fluid, attacking football that thrilled fans while dominating opponents.
| Sergio Lobera’s ISL Achievements | Details |
|---|---|
| ISL Shields Won | 2 (FC Goa 2019-20, Mumbai City 2020-21) |
| ISL Cup Won | 1 (Mumbai City 2020-21) |
| Super Cup | 1 (FC Goa 2019) |
| Historic Achievement | First coach to win ISL Shield + Cup in same season |
| Playoff Appearances | 5 consecutive (2017-2022) |
Odisha FC Transformation (2023-2025)
Lobera’s appointment at Odisha FC in May 2023 marked his return to Indian football after a brief stint in China. He revealed that sharing similar ambitions with the club was the biggest reason behind his decision, noting that Odisha FC’s recent Super Cup success and their ambitions for the future influenced his choice.
His first season delivered immediate impact. Lobera managed 38 matches, securing victories in 21, drawing seven, while experiencing 10 losses, achieving Odisha’s highest-ever finish by finishing fourth in ISL 2023-24. The team accumulated the highest number of points in a single ISL season for the club and remained undefeated at the Kalinga Stadium throughout the campaign.
In continental competition, Lobera made history. Odisha FC became the sole Indian team to advance to the knockout stage of the AFC Cup 2023-24, reaching the Inter-zone playoff semi-finals. This achievement represented a milestone in the club’s history and showcased Lobera’s ability to succeed beyond domestic competition.
The tactical approach remained consistent with his philosophy. Odisha posed a significant threat from set-pieces, amassing 12 goals from such situations across all competitions, with Mourtada Fall capitalizing on Ahmed Jahouh’s precision deliveries to score seven goals. Despite ranking second-lowest in final-third entries, the team compensated with exceptional shooting accuracy.
His success at Odisha earned him a contract extension in July 2024, with the club adding an additional year to see him manage through the 2025-26 season. However, Odisha FC officially parted ways with Lobera just hours before Mohun Bagan announced his appointment, ending a transformative two-season partnership.
What Sergio Lobera Brings to Mohun Bagan
The appointment signals a clear tactical and philosophical shift for the Mariners. While Molina helped steady the team during a difficult period and won not just the ISL Title but also the shield in the 24-25 season, the club felt the need for a long-term tactical vision and more modern style of play, something Lobera is well known for.
Speaking after signing his contract, Lobera expressed both excitement and responsibility. “Taking charge at Mohun Bagan Super Giant is a huge honour for me. This club has a rich history, deep emotion and big ambition. I am committed to building a team that plays with courage, identity and a winning mentality. We will work together to make this chapter unforgettable“.
He also acknowledged the potential within the current squad. “This team has talent and heart, which is capable of dominating Indian football. I have come here to take that potential to an even higher level. Mohun Bagan deserves to be at the top, and we will work every day to turn that dream into reality“.
Tactical Identity and Playing Style
Lobera’s teams are immediately recognizable by their possession-based approach and attacking intent. His teams are known for possession-based play, attacking movement and disciplined structure, qualities Mohun Bagan fans have been eager to see consistently.
The Spanish tactician emphasizes control through midfield dominance, patient build-up play, and exploiting wide areas to create service for central strikers. His system typically features a 4-2-3-1 formation with attacking full-backs, creative midfielders, and forwards capable of both holding up play and making penetrating runs.
Set-pieces represent another area where Lobera’s teams excel, as evidenced by his work at Odisha FC. With Mohun Bagan already possessing strong aerial threats and dead-ball specialists, this aspect could become even more potent under the new regime.
Working with Key Players
Lobera will inherit a talented squad featuring Australian striker Jamie Maclaren, Scottish forward Jason Cummings, and Indian international goalkeeper Vishal Kaith. These players are expected to join the first session under the new regime when training begins on November 30.
The presence of familiar faces could ease the transition. Hugo Boumous, who played under Lobera at both FC Goa and Mumbai City FC before moving to Mohun Bagan, understands the coach’s methods and can help transmit his philosophy to teammates. Similarly, players like Alberto Rodriguez and Dimitri Petratos possess the technical quality to thrive in Lobera’s possession-based system.
The Challenge Ahead
Mohun Bagan currently sits atop the ISL 2024-25 standings, having won the previous season’s League Shield and Cup double. The club enters a new phase with renewed expectations under Lobera’s guidance.
The immediate challenge involves integrating Lobera’s tactical philosophy mid-season while maintaining the team’s winning momentum. Unlike his previous appointments where he had full preseasons to implement his methods, Lobera must work quickly to restore confidence and clarity following the turbulent Molina exit.
| Mohun Bagan’s Recent Achievements | Details |
|---|---|
| ISL 2024-25 League Shield | Won (First to successfully defend) |
| ISL 2024-25 Cup | Won (defeated Bengaluru FC 2-1) |
| ISL Record | 56 points (highest in league history) |
| Current Status | Defending champions, mid-season coaching change |
The club’s continental ambitions remain complicated. Mohun Bagan were deemed withdrawn from the AFC Champions League Two 2025-26 after refusing to travel to Iran for their Group C match against Sepahan SC, with the AFC confirming the withdrawal after the club failed to report for the fixture. This marked the second consecutive year the club refused to travel to Iran for AFC competition.
Beyond tactical adjustments, Lobera must navigate the unique pressures of managing one of India’s most historic clubs. Mohun Bagan carries 136 years of history and a passionate fanbase with sky-high expectations. The Kolkata derby against East Bengal represents one of Asian football’s most intense rivalries, adding another layer of complexity to his role.
However, if history serves as indication, Lobera possesses the credentials to succeed. Across three different clubs, he’s built teams that not only win but play with a clear identity, with his philosophy being simple yet effective: control possession, play attacking football, and stay organized. He’s also demonstrated consistent ability to develop Indian players, transforming roles and building trust that helps talent grow under his guidance.
What This Means for Indian Football
The appointment represents broader trends within the ISL. In replacing Molina with Lobera, Mohun Bagan executed a swift and deliberate realignment of its footballing identity, with Lobera bringing a philosophy that sharply contrasts with Molina’s structured pragmatism.
This marks Lobera’s fourth ISL club, an unprecedented achievement in league history. His movement between FC Goa, Mumbai City FC, Odisha FC, and now Mohun Bagan underscores his standing as the most sought-after coach in Indian football. Each appointment has come with elevated expectations, and each has delivered tangible success.
For Mohun Bagan supporters, the “Lob-ERA” officially begins with hope that the Spanish tactician can add to his already impressive trophy collection while restoring the attacking identity that has made his teams fan favorites across India. The journey starts November 30 when Lobera conducts his first training session, beginning a new chapter in both his career and the storied history of one of Asian football’s most decorated clubs.
FAQs
When did Mohun Bagan appoint Sergio Lobera as head coach?
Mohun Bagan officially appointed Sergio Lobera as their new head coach on November 26, 2025, with the Spanish tactician signing his contract on Wednesday. He will begin training with the squad from November 30, 2025.
What trophies has Sergio Lobera won in the ISL?
Sergio Lobera has won three major ISL trophies: the League Winners Shield with FC Goa (2019-20) and Mumbai City FC (2020-21), the ISL Cup with Mumbai City FC (2020-21), and the Super Cup with FC Goa (2019). He became the first coach to win both the Shield and Cup in the same season.
Why did Mohun Bagan part ways with Jose Molina?
Despite winning the historic ISL Shield and Cup double in 2024-25, Molina faced early exits from multiple tournaments in the 2025-26 season, including the Durand Cup, AFC Champions League Two, and Super Cup. Internal tensions, dressing room discomfort, tactical rigidity, and public criticism of recruitment strategy led to the separation.
What is Sergio Lobera’s coaching philosophy?
Lobera emphasizes possession-based football with attacking intent, patient build-up play through midfield control, and disciplined defensive structure. His teams typically use a 4-2-3-1 formation with attacking full-backs, creative midfielders, and are strong in set-piece situations. He’s also known for developing Indian talent.
What was Sergio Lobera’s record at Odisha FC?
In his first season at Odisha FC (2023-24), Lobera achieved the club’s highest-ever ISL finish (4th place), remained unbeaten at home throughout the league campaign, and led them to become the only Indian team to reach the AFC Cup knockout stages. He managed 38 matches with 21 wins, 7 draws, and 10 losses.
