After their commanding performance in the Round of 16 of the Kalinga Super Cup, Mumbai City FC now prepare to take on Inter Kashi at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneshwar on Sunday, April 27. Ahead of their knockout encounter against the I-League side, Mumbai City FC head coach Petr Kratky and defender Valpuia shared their enthusiasm at the pre-match press conference.
Highlighting the importance of carrying on the momentum from the 4-0 win against Chennaiyin FC, head coach Petr Kratky shared, “Obviously, it’s a short turnaround after the last game. We’ve had good rest, good preparation, good feedback. So, we're excited to play against them because they are a very good team who did very well this season in the I-League. So, we're looking forward to the game.”
Speaking on the importance of keeping a clean sheet in the previous game, Valpuia shared, “We are really happy that we got a clean sheet. All the credit goes to the players, not only the backline. All the players gave their best, so all credit goes to them. We just executed what the coach instructed us.”
Petr Kratky elaborated on the challenge the Islanders might face against the I-League side Inter Kashi. “We have to be ready and make sure we do everything right again. One win doesn't mean anything in the tournament. That game is done. We have to start a new game, and we know that Inter Kashi will be difficult because they want to prove a point. They're a good team”, Kratky mentioned.
“So, we have to be switched on and not underestimate anything on the pitch from the first minute. We have to be mentally very strong and work hard as we did last game. The credit goes to the boys who stepped in, they did the job to bring the win. It's all about working hard and sticking together”, he added.
Further expressing the importance of adaptability in his setup, Kratky said, “Adaptability is very important. We have to adapt to the opposition, we have to adapt to conditions, we have to adapt to the players who are on the pitch and how we want to win the game because it's a knockout tournament and we just want to be strong defensively.”
Valpuia, who has played at right-back for the team throughout the Indian Super League (ISL) campaign, shared how he has adapted to playing at right-back this season. “Playing at center back is my main position, but it all depends on the coaching staff. It's all about the game plan as well. So, I'm able to play wherever the coaching staff put me.”
Thanking the fans for their support throughout the year, Petr Kratky concluded, “Thank you for the support again. We as a team need to just give them what they deserve. We have to work hard, put our heart on the sleeve, and deliver the wins and good performances.”
Live streaming of Mumbai City FC’s match against Inter Kashi in the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 will be available on Star Sports 3 and Star Sports 3 HD TV channels and JioHotstar.
