ISL 2024-25: Team Strengths, Concerns And Key Players – Part 1
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season is here and it’s already looking crazier than a last-minute VAR call. The teams are locked in and the fans are ready to back them. Here’s part 1 of the team previews at the ISL 2024-25 season. Mohun Bagan Super Giant Once again, they are the Goliaths everyone wants to topple. The new mastermind behind their charge? None other than Jose Molina, the coach who already has an ISL crown on his CV. With a dream team featuring dynamo Dimi Petratos and the ever-dangerous Greg Stewart, Mohun Bagan look primed to run the show. However their stunning defeat in the Durand Cup final reveals they have chinks in their armor. Do they sail through or fall on star power? Mumbai City FC If Mohun Bagan are Goliath, then Mumbai City FC are David with a sling named Lallianzuala Chhangte. The defending ISL champions lost big names like Apuia, however with the deadly combination of Jon Toral and Nikos Karelis, this ship is still cruising smoothly under Petr Kratky. Whether they would retain the silverware in the City of Dreams or get it slipped off just like that soap bar because of wet hands, the question remains. FC Goa Here comes FC Goa, led by the man who has “building champions” on his business card—Manolo Marquez. With Armando Sadiku leading the charge at the front and Iker Guarrotxena coming back for more, Goa’s plan is pretty simple: crash the top four party. With key departures looming as some unwanted referee, it is going to be one heck of a hustle. Odisha FC Odisha FC have pretty much put together an FC Goa reunion tour, bringing Sergio Lobera back to his old squad. With experience not only comes wisdom, but also the dreaded enemy of all athletes—aging legs. Will it be a case of Lobera being able to roll back the years and lead Odisha to glory, or will Father Time strike again? Kerala Blasters Let’s talk Kerala Blasters, where Adrian Luna is literally carrying the team on his back and new coach Mikael Stahre is praying that back doesn’t break. The talent of Luna is a feast to watch for the football fans, unless he gets more to support him, Kerala may struggle to keep pace with the big guns. Chennaiyin FC Chennaiyin FC is abuzz with fresh hope as Owen Coyle returns to the hot seat of managers with big plans of restoring the old glory of the club. Having experience from previously guiding the team to success, Coyle’s experience would come in handy to revive Chennaiyin this season. The team has, however, had a major rebuild this offseason. It could be that just the right mix of fresh youthful talent and more experienced players will yield the perfect blend to fashion a strong playoff push and reinvigorate their winning ways. NorthEast United The appointment of a new coach, Juan Benali, is going to herald a new era in their pursuit of excellence. After NorthEast United had to confront those lean spells for almost a season or so, with the innovative tactics of Benali, everything needs a change. NorthEast United hope that their underdog spirit may bring some surprises to the league this season. Thanks to key new signings and restructuring, they are the dark horses of the season that might well crash into the elite party, break the established pecking order and pull off an unforgettable playoff run. So, get the popcorn ready, as this ISL 2024-25 season is going to be a mouthful of goals, drama and magical football. Shall we see dominance from the Big Three or some upsets? The only sure thing is that it will be quite a ride. Stay tuned for part 2 of the team previews at the ISL 2024-25 season. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
ISL 2024-25: Who Can Take Over The Throne?
The wait is over as the Indian Super League (ISL) is back into action. The roast, after official confirmation from AIFF, will begin on 13 September 2024 with a high voltage clash between the reigning champions Mumbai City FC and last year’s runner-up Mohun Bagan Super Giant at the Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata. But hang on, with Mohammedan Sporting in the fray now, things just got spicier. So, who’s got the chops to wear the crown this time around? Well, here are the top 3 contenders that could rule the roost this season. Mohun Bagan Super Giant Well, the appetite wasn’t quite full for Mohun Bagan after winning the ISL Shield last season, as they wanted the whole buffet, which Mumbai City FC managed to snatch away in the final by beating them 3-1, thus leaving the Mariners with nothing but a silver platter. Now, under the new boss Jose Francisco Molina, the Super Giants are back, hungrier than ever. Can they turn the tables and grab their second ISL title? Keep your eyes peeled! Mumbai City FC Last season, Mumbai City FC wasn’t just about winning; they ruled with iron fists. A 3-1 victory over Mohun Bagan in the final was a tactical masterclass from Petr Kratky. They have added firepower this time, with the likes of Brandon Fernandes as their newest recruits to keep the engines purring. Can the defending champions make it three successive ISL titles? Spoiler alert: They are not slowing down. FC Goa FC Goa’s run last season was like watching an underdog movie-12 games unbeaten, flying! But, alas, a few stumbles cost them the Shield. With Manolo Marquez now at the helm of affairs and key players moving on, the work is cut out for the Gaurs. Will they defy the odds and take the title this year? Well, only time will tell, but definitely they have got some tricks up their sleeves! The ISL 2024-25 season will be a true explosion for the battle of the throne. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
