East Bengal appoint Antonio Lopez, Mohun Bagan name Panagiotis Dilmperis as new coach

Kolkata: Indian Super League champions East Bengal FC and Mohun Bagan SG will have different faces in their respective dugout this season.East Bengal on Monday made it official that Antonio Lopez Habas would be their new coach, a month after ISL-winning manager Oscar Bruzon decided to leave and seek new pasture elsewhere amid uncertainty over Indian football’s roadmap.

Mohun Bagan also revealed a changing of guard, saying that Panagiotis Dilmperis would be the successor of Sergio Lobera. The Greek, popularly known as Panos, who managed Punjab FC last season, signed a one-year contract with the green-and-maroon side.“Mohun Bagan is much more than a football club—it is an institution with a remarkable history, a winning culture and one of the most passionate fan bases in Asia,” Panagiotis said in a club statement.East Bengal and Mohun Bagan are set to resume their rivalry with the Durand Cup opener on July 25.“I know what it means to the supporters, to the players and to everyone connected with the club. The best way to prepare for such a match is not with emotions alone, but with excellent preparation, discipline and confidence,” Panagiotis said of the upcoming derby.Habas, who stepped down as Inter Kashi coach midway the previous season, is returning to the city after guiding Mohun Bagan to their ISL Winner’s Shield in 2023-2024 season.

He also won two ISL titles as coach of now defunct ATK (2014, 2019–20).In a related development, East Bengal have also said that goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Gill will stay with the club for two more seasons while the 2023-24 ISL Golden Glove winner Phurba Lachenpa joined the red-and-gold team with a two-year contract.