Mumbai City FC return to the Mumbai Football Arena on Wednesday, 12 February, for their penultimate home game of the season, where they will face a formidable FC Goa side. The Islanders are riding high on confidence after making history last week with a 2-0 victory against NorthEast United FC in Shillong – the first-ever Indian Super League (ISL) match played in the city.
As the league phase enters its decisive final stretch, Head Coach Petr Kratky and new signing Jorge Ortiz shared their thoughts on the team’s recent performance, the challenges ahead, and their ambitions for the remainder of the season.
Head Coach Petr Kratky expressed his satisfaction with the team’s resilience in their recent victory. “Last game, we started a little slow in the first 30 minutes in terms of adjusting to the conditions after a long journey. But the team did well to recover, prevent NorthEast from scoring, and then bounce back to play the way we wanted. It’s not always a perfect scenario, but getting through is what matters,” he said.
Kratky emphasised the collective effort of the squad, adding, “We did very well, and the team fought together to secure three points. I don’t think there are any major issues. We just need to keep improving and working hard. In games, there are always highs and lows, and you must deal with them as they come.”
The upcoming match against FC Goa promises to be a thrilling encounter, with the visitors currently sitting second in the ISL standings. In the reverse fixture, Mumbai City FC secured a 2-1 victory.
Kratky acknowledged the quality of the opposition but remained confident in his team’s abilities. “I'm very excited. They're a very good team, currently second, well-coached, and well-rounded. We have to respect those qualities. It should be an exciting game from a spectator's perspective. We believe in our ability and the way we play. Tomorrow is an opportunity to show what we can achieve if we stick together and work hard,” Kratky stated.
New signing Jorge Ortiz, who joined Mumbai City FC earlier this year, has quickly settled into the squad. Reflecting on his transition, Ortiz said, “It’s been very easy for me because everyone has been welcoming. I think I arrived at a good time for the team. The training sessions and overall mood are very positive, and the team is playing well. I just need a few more days of training with them, and we’ll see what happens in the next game. I hope to be performing at 100% as soon as possible.”
Ortiz, who previously played for FC Goa alongside Brandon Fernandes, brings versatility and experience to the Islanders’ attack. When asked about his preferred position, he said, “My favourite position is wherever I can help the team. I was in every attacking position when I played in Goa, and here, it’s the same. I’m here to help the team and try to play the way they want. It’s not a problem for me.”
With only five games remaining in the league phase, the stakes are higher than ever. Kratky highlighted the importance of maintaining focus and motivation. “Regardless of the stage of the season, whether it’s the first game or the last, we need to keep going. My motivation remains the same – we want to achieve, we want to win, and that’s our goal. As for keeping the team motivated, we need to push ourselves as a group. If you want to achieve, if you want to win, you can, but we have to work hard for it,” he said.
Jorge Ortiz, who has played for clubs across the globe, took a moment to appreciate the vibrant fan culture in India. “The fans are everything because it’s really exciting. I’m really happy to be back in the league and to enjoy playing at home. I feel great and am very happy to be here. I just want to win every game for the fans,” he said.
Where to Watch
The game will kick off at 7:30 pm IST on Wednesday 12th February 2025, 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
