The much-anticipated Indian Super League (ISL) debut for Mohammedan Sporting will take place at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan on Monday when they host NorthEast United FC.

Mohammedan Sporting have all the reason to be excited. having made the highest level of Indian football, but at the same time, they will also be wary of the grit of the spirited NorthEast. It wasn’t many days ago when they recorded a win over a strong Mohun Bagan Super Giant side to win their maiden Durand Cup title.

Mohammedan Sporting head coach Andrey Chernyshov, though, expressed his confidence and readiness for the challenge awaiting his team in its ISL opener.

“You were driving a Suzuki, but you now have to drive a Mercedes. That’s what the difference is like playing in the ISL,” Chernyshov said on Sunday, the eve of Mohammedan Sporting’s ISL debut.

“I know many people in Europe and other parts of the world watch the ISL. It’s going to be a special game for the team. It’s tough out here but we expect our supporters will be right behind us and make it an ideal atmosphere for us.

“Also, it’s important to keep emotions aside and focus on playing positive, attacking football,” Chernyshov stressed.

On the other hand, the eloquent NorthEast head coach Juan Pedro Benali insisted that his wards will be taking each and every game of this ISL as a "finale".