“We Deserved To Win”: Mohun Bagan Coach Dilmperis Rues Missed Chances After NorthEast United Defeat

New Delhi, October 12: Mohun Bagan Super Giant head coach Panos Dilmperis rued his side's wastefulness in front of goal after the Kolkata giants suffered a 1-0 defeat to NorthEast United FC in their opening fixture of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 season in Guwahati on Monday.

Jithin M.S. struck in the second minute of stoppage time to hand NorthEast United all three points, leaving Mohun Bagan to reflect on a missed opportunity to begin their campaign with a victory. Despite creating several promising chances and hitting the woodwork twice, the Mariners failed to find the breakthrough.

Speaking after the match, Dilmperis identified his team's inability to convert clear-cut opportunities as the primary reason for the defeat. He also pointed to lapses in decision-making in the final third, suggesting that his players needed to be more clinical when presented with scoring opportunities.

"We had five clear chances in front of the goalkeeper, around six or seven shots from outside the box, and several situations where we got into good positions but failed to deliver the right cross, provide the right service or play an accurate through ball," Dilmperis said.

The Mohun Bagan coach acknowledged that luck also played a part, with Lee Irwin's effort striking the woodwork in the ninth minute. Substitute Suhail Bhat also hit the post late in the game, shortly before NorthEast United scored the decisive goal.

"We are very sad and disappointed with the result. We apologise to our fans because we wanted to start the season with a win, and we believe we deserved it. We kept creating chances, but despite hitting the woodwork twice, our opponents scored," he added.

Dilmperis On Miguel's Decision-Making

The coach also addressed a moment involving Miguel Figueira, who opted to pass rather than attempt a shot when an opportunity appeared to open up. The move ultimately came to nothing, with Suhail caught offside.

Dilmperis felt that missed chances can affect players' decision-making as a match progresses, but admitted that Miguel could have taken responsibility and attempted to score himself.

"I think missed chances can affect players' decision-making as a game progresses. When you fail to convert opportunities, it can influence your actions later in the match," he explained.

"In that situation, Miguel's thinking was not necessarily wrong. He tried to make a pass to create an easier scoring opportunity. However, given his quality, I agree that he should have tried to finish the move himself. The ball was in the air, and he had an opportunity to score."

Jithin's Late Strike Punishes Mohun Bagan

Mohun Bagan had threatened early through Irwin, while goalkeeper Vishal Kaith kept NorthEast United at bay during key moments. The visitors continued to search for a breakthrough after the interval, introducing Liston Colaco and Miguel Figueira in the 59th minute to strengthen their attack.

NorthEast United gradually grew into the contest, with Jithin making an impact after coming on at half-time. The hosts also had a goal from Alaeddine Ajaraie ruled out for offside before Nikola fired wide in the 83rd minute.

Mohun Bagan appeared close to securing at least a point when Bhat's effort struck the woodwork in the 87th minute. However, NorthEast United capitalised in stoppage time when Kaith saved the initial attempt, only for the rebound to fall to Jithin, who finished to seal a 1-0 victory.

The defeat leaves Mohun Bagan with work to do ahead of their next fixture, particularly in improving their finishing and decision-making in the final third. For Dilmperis, the challenge will be to ensure that his side's ability to create opportunities translates into goals and points in the matches ahead.