Mumbai City are all set to take on FC Goa in an away fixture at the Fatorda Stadium on Saturday. The Islanders return from a two-week hiatus following a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Bengaluru FC in their first home game of the season.
Outlining his expectations for the match, Head Coach Petr Kratky said, “For us, whether we play home or away, it is still a game. Goa is a quality team, but we have to stick to our way. We have to defend well but also attack well. All areas that we want to improve need to be there; mistakes happen, but we have to be sure to work from the first minute to the last minute.”
Highlighting some of the key takeaways this season, Kratky stated, “We have certain strategies where we obviously want to stop leaking goals, because we conceded five goals in the first two games, but it is just a building stage where we now know what it takes to have a clean sheet. Now we have to build better football, better performances, and bring the win home.”
Further assessing the team’s performance in the first few games of the season, Kratky added, “We analyze every day and every week. I think we need to get better. It’s obvious, but there’s some very good stuff with what we produce. Now it’s about continuing to improve every week and playing better football.”
Kratky also appreciated the squad composition ahead of the fixture and praised the attitude of the new signings. “They are doing well. It is a work in progress and getting better every day. They are very good around the group, which is very important, and they support the young players around them. We have had some very good training sessions behind and are ready to make the next step,” he said.
With Brandon Fernandes returning to familiar territory as he takes on his former club, the midfielder said, “It’s something to look forward to. Right now, I am a Mumbai City player. When the fixtures came out, the first thing I checked was when we were playing against Goa. I am very excited. We have to go to Goa and get the job done, and I am really looking forward to it.”
On whether he feels any added pressure or motivation for the fixture, he remarked, “Personally, my goal will be to have the best game of my life and win the game.”
Speaking on the context of the game for the broader season, Fernandes opined, “Every game is important to us. We won’t change that going into this game. We have to go there and give our best and try to win the game. That will be our main thing in our mind, to have a good game and win the game.”
Where to Watch
The game will kick off at 5:00 pm IST on Saturday, 19th October 2024 and will be broadcast on Sports 18 and Jio Cinema. For our global fans, you can find your broadcaster at www.indiansuperleague.com/broadcasters or follow all the action LIVE on our official Twitter account - @MumbaiCityFC
