Kolkata/Kochi, March 6 – The Kolkata derby and the Kochi derby between Mohammedan Sporting Club and Kerala Blasters, along with Bengaluru FC and Chennaiyin FC, will be closely watched as these teams aim to secure their first points of the 2025-26 Indian Super League (ISL) season.
Mohammedan Sporting Club will face Bengaluru FC in Kolkata, while Kerala Blasters will host Chennaiyin FC in Kochi. Bengaluru, coming off a 0-2 loss to Punjab FC, will be looking to bounce back, while Kerala Blasters, who have yet to score a point in their first three matches, will aim to improve their performance.
Mohammedan Sporting Club's head coach, Mehrajuddin Wadoo, emphasized the importance of adapting to the ISL's pressure and intensity. He stated, "Every match in the ISL is challenging. We need time to adjust to the pressure. The team is constantly improving."
Meanwhile, Bengaluru FC's head coach, Renedy Singh, highlighted the need to score goals and defend well. He said, "We need to score to win matches. The key is not to chase the game. We must defend well and stay compact."
The Kolkata derby will see Mohammedan Sporting Club and Bengaluru FC battling for supremacy. Bengaluru, who lost their first match to Punjab FC, will aim to bounce back, while Mohammedan Sporting Club will look to secure their first points of the season.
Kerala Blasters FC will face Chennaiyin FC in Kochi, aiming to extend their dominance in the Southern Derby. Kerala Blasters, who have yet to score a point, will look to improve their performance, while Chennaiyin FC, who drew 1-1 against Odisha FC, will aim to capitalise on transitions.
Kerala Blasters head coach David Català emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive approach and intensity. He said, "It is important to give everything with the right approach, stay positive, and show that we are better during the 90 minutes."
Chennaiyin FC head coach Clifford Miranda acknowledged the challenges his team faces and stressed the importance of maintaining standards. He said, "Yes, we are facing challenges. We are in a process; we are getting certain things right, and some things are not going our way. We are lacking in the final phase. It will take some time, but there is no excuse to drop our standards in football."
The Kolkata and Kochi derbies promise to be intriguing contests, with each team aiming to secure a result that will bring smiles to their passionate home fans.
