ISL 2026-27: Culture of Mohun Bagan demands a win, says Dimpleris before MBSG vs NorthEast United

Coach Panagiotis Dilmperis has spent two years at Punjab but got his first major trophy in Indian football with the Mariners, winning the IFA Shield earlier this month. | Photo Credit: Durand Cup Media

Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) will begin its Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 campaign on Monday, taking on North East United FC (NEUFC) on October 12 at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati.

The two teams have played twice this season, with both ending in draws, in the Durand Cup and the IFA Shield respectively, though the former saw Bagan earn the bragging rights with a 4-3 win on penalties.

Despite being familiar with the opponents, though, MBSG’s coach Panagiotis Dilmperis said Monday’s fixture will be a ‘totally different game’.

“We are assuming what the formation will be and the starting XI. We know the opponent, and they also know us. We are talking about a good team with some very valuable players and, in my opinion, one of the greatest coaches I have ever competed against,” Dilmperis said in the pre-match press conference.

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The Greek tactician also warned that his camp might have some injuries.

“The pre-season usually lasts eight weeks... it didn’t happen for us because of these (Durand Cup, IFA Shield, Calcutta Football League) tournaments. And because of this, we lost some of the aerobic and anaerobic capacity of the players, and also it might be the reason why some of the players have small injuries,” he added.

The Mariners start the season with two away games, which is “not easy”; however, winning these games would build strong momentum to start the ISL campaign. Last year, under coach Sergio Lobera, MBSG started the season with four wins on the bounce; however, it won only three out of its remaining nine games.

Coach Dilmperis has spent two years at Punjab but got his first major trophy in Indian football with the Mariners, winning the IFA Shield earlier this month.

“The culture of the team demands wins. We should win. There is no other result,” he said.