Mumbai City FC are gearing up for their first home game of the 2024-25 Indian Super League season against Bengaluru FC at the Mumbai Football Arena on October 2nd. After drawing their opening match against Mohun Bagan Super Giant and a narrow defeat against Jamshedpur in their second outing, the Islanders will be determined to secure their first three points of the season in front of their home crowd. Bengaluru FC, meanwhile, remain undefeated in their campaign so far, but Mumbai City FC will be looking to turn things around with the support of their fans and showcase the exciting brand of football they're known for.
As the Islanders return to action after a 10-day hiatus, Head Coach Petr Kratky opined that the break has augured well for the team and allowed them to work on areas of improvement. “I think it works well for us after the first two rounds where we have only one point, it allowed us to regroup and try to focus on ourselves and the areas where we need to improve. I think the boys are focused and ready for the game.”
Bengaluru FC come into the encounter on the back of three consecutive victories and are yet to concede this season. Outlining his expectation for tomorrow, Head Coach Petr Kratky further added, "They (Bengaluru FC) have all their bases covered, and they're prepared. Now it's up to us to step up our game and be diligent in everything we do. I believe in our team, and I believe we can deliver, but it will be tough. We have to dig deep right from the first minute."
Acknowledging the familiarity between the two sides, Kratky expressed his anticipation for an engaging match, “We're familiar with each other, but that also means the game will be exciting. That's why I say it will be a tough match, but I think it will be great to watch because both teams will try to play good football."
The excitement is palpable amongst fans and players alike for the Islanders’ first home game, with a full house expected tomorrow. Expressing his enthusiasm as a player who hails from Mumbai, midfielder Jayesh Rane said, “Playing at home is always fun, especially in front of our own fans. It's not just about being a local; it's about representing Mumbai with supporters cheering us on. It's a great feeling, and we're looking forward to tomorrow's match to share that excitement with everyone.”
The 31-year-old also spoke about the mood in the camp coming into the fixture. “The mood in the camp is good, everybody wants to win and is working very hard towards that. We have been waiting for the game and we are ready to deliver tomorrow.”
Where to Watch
The game will kick off at 7:30 pm IST on Wednesday, 2nd 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
