Holders of the Indian Super League Shield, Mumbai City FC, are within touching distance of the top spot on the points table, but ahead of their game against traditional arch-rivals FC Goa, the coach Petr Kratky said that the squad is completely focussed on the game, and nothing more.
Mumbai City FC are coming into the game against FC Goa on the back of some good form. The Islanders have won 4 out of their last 5 games, and will be keen to build on the momentum. Speaking ahead of the game, the coach said, “The team is in a good space, and the last three wins were very important for us, and we just need to keep going like this, and keep the levels of consistency high, the good attitude and the focus in place as well.”
“The approach has been brilliant from the squad and everyone has been training very well, and I am very happy with how they are building up to the game.”
Looking ahead to the next game and the ones after, Mumbai City FC forward Iker Guarrotxena said, “Things have been good so far, and I am doing all that I can do to help the team. But I know there are always things to improve on and in the next games, and as the coach said we have to continue doing what we are doing going forward.”
Kratky’s first game for Mumbai City FC was against FC Goa, but a lot of water has passed under the bridge since. Speaking about the opponents, Kratky said, “They have a good coach and quality players, and we have to be aware of that. And we all know the season is a long one, and there are ups and downs along the way. We have to be prepared for it because they will be looking to change their fortunes.”
Co-incidentally, Guarrotxena has also played for FC Goa before. “The are a dangerous team, and will be looking for a positive result, but we want to keep them from getting it. We have to be aware during the game, and we have to continue to play like we have done so far.”
A win for Mumbai City FC would propel them to the top of the points table. The game against FC Goa is the Islanders’ 16th of the ISL so far. However, Kratky mentioned that the team isn’t thinking about the points table just yet.
“For us, the FC Goa game is just another game. Another performance that we need to put in and the priority right now is the preparation for the match at the Mumbai Football Arena. We know how to play, to attack and defend, and we have to continue to do that consistently.”
Hailing from Bilbao, Guarrotxena, who has spent a fair amount of time playing top flight football in Spain, said “I hope we can show the fans what we can do on the pitch and then attract them to the stadium. We will always give the best for them, and we know they give the best for us too.”
