Mohun Bagan's Subhasish Bose, Rahul Bheke open up on season grind ahead of new ISL campaign

The two defenders, who anchored Mohun Bagan's backline through an unbeaten run to the Durand Cup title last month, discussed training, travel and recovery — the unseen work that fills the gaps between matches through a long domestic season.

"As a footballer, you spend so much time preparing away from the ninety minutes, training, travelling, recovering and staying consistent through the season," Bose said.

"As captain, you also have a responsibility to lead by example, and for me, that means staying disciplined and giving my best every day," he added.

Bheke, who has played close to fifteen years across multiple clubs and cities, struck a similar note about the demands of a long career. "You realise that a career is built on the everyday work, not just the match days," he said.

"How you train, recover, travel and look after yourself becomes increasingly important over time. At this stage of my career, I'm focused on staying consistent, enjoying the game and continuing to challenge myself."

Both players featured prominently in Mohun Bagan's run to an 18th Durand Cup title in August, a campaign in which the side went unbeaten and conceded just once across five matches en route to beating rivals East Bengal in the final.

Bheke, in particular, has drawn praise for his defensive performances since arriving at the club, helping anchor a backline that has been central to Mohun Bagan's recent form under head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis.

The club now turns its attention to the 2026-27 Indian Super League season, a competition reshaped this year into a shortened, 13-match format across 14 teams following the expiry of the league's master rights agreement in December 2025.

Mohun Bagan will be among the sides expected to contend for the title once the new season gets underway, with the squad's core, including Bose and Bheke, carrying over the momentum built through the Durand Cup.

Thursday's interaction was organised by Skechers, the club's official kit partner, and brought together sports and lifestyle media in Kolkata to hear directly from the players ahead of the new season.