Late interest from East Bengal stalls paperwork of Panagiotis Dilmperis as Mohun Bagan SG coach

Late drama has gripped the Kolkata football circles as paperwork for Panagiotis Dilmperis as Mohun Bagan Super Giant coach stalled in the evening, following a last-ditch interest from East Bengal.

Dilmperis, as per June 16 afternoon, parted ways on mutual agreement with Punjab FC, having communicated to the club that he has verbally agreed to join Bagan as the head coach for the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) season.

However, with the paperwork still pending, the Red-and-Gold Brigade, now the ISL champion, has reached out to the Greek tactician to know if he is still open for a change of mind.

East Bengal won its maiden ISL title and its first men’s top-flight trophy in 22 years after beating Inter Kashi on the final matchday last season. Its coach, Oscar Bruzon, had said before the final game that the clash against Kashi would be his last game, but expressed his interest in continuing, provided the club gave him a better offer, in terms of planning.

ALSO READ: Mohun Bagan SG set to appoint Panagiotis Dilmperis as head coach before ISL 2026-27

This is not the first time the two teams have been in a race for a signing, either a player or a manager.

Previously, Lalengmawaia ‘Apuia’ Ralte from Mumbai City FC and Abhishek Singh Tekcham from Punjab were both involved in a bidding war, which ultimately saw the Mariners land the two in their dressing room.

However, regarding Dilmperis, both clubs remain tight-lipped for now.

Time, however, looks scarce for both teams as the 2026-27 season is scheduled to begin on July 25, which is just about a month from now.

Published on Jun 16, 2026

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