Mumbai City FC will close out the year with a high-stakes clash against NorthEast United FC at the Mumbai Football Arena on Monday. Riding on a four-match unbeaten streak that includes three victories and an impressive record of four consecutive clean sheets, the Islanders aim to cap off the calendar year on a high note. Ahead of the fixture, Head Coach Petr Kratky and defender Sanjeev Stalin shared their thoughts on the team’s preparation for the match and reflected on the season.
Emphasizing the importance of preparation and resilience, Kratky set the tone for his team’s approach. “Like every game, we want to win the game, so we have to prepare ourselves well, and we have to come and fight for every point, every minute on the bench,” he said.
Mumbai City FC enters the game with an enviable defensive record, having conceded only 13 goals this season—the second lowest in the league. However, they face a formidable challenge in NorthEast United, the league’s highest-scoring team with 26 goals to their name. Addressing this dynamic, Kratky remarked, “We are fully aware of the strengths of NorthEast United and that they have very good players. Particularly, they have a good attacking force, and we have to make sure we stop that. We must do what we do well, we must defend as a team.”
On his expectations from the contest, he added, “I think both teams will respect each other. I think we will need to be switched on from the first minute to the last minute because they can hurt us. But we also must be confident in the way we play and what we can do on the pitch.”
With 20 points from 12 matches, a victory against NorthEast United would propel Mumbai City FC into fourth place, narrowing the gap to league leaders Mohun Bagan, who currently sit on 29 points. Reflecting on the season so far, Kratky reiterated the need for continued improvement. “There are still many areas where we need to improve as a team—to be more dominant on the ball, maintain possession, create chances, and convert them, which has been a bit of a challenge in the first half of the season. We’re in good spirits to continue what we started, and I believe we will improve game by game until the end of the season,” he said.
Mumbai City FC’s defensive endeavours have been a cornerstone of their recent success, with four consecutive clean sheets. Speaking about this achievement, defender Sanjeev Stalin said, “I think we have a really good backline, and the team has been doing a very good job; that is why we haven’t been conceding many goals.”
On staying motivated during periods of limited playing time, the 23-year-old said, “It is very hard sometimes. But in football and life, things can change very quickly. So, all I can do is stay positive, work hard, be patient, and do everything I can on the training field so that I’m ready to play.”
Stalin also highlighted the unique energy of home games, driven by the unwavering support of the fans. “It’s their energy. Because when you play at home, and you have fans who really support you, it gives you a boost when you’re tired. When they cheer, it’s like an energy boost for us, and it makes us happy to see them cheering when we win. Of course, sometimes the result doesn’t go our way, but the fans are still supportive,” he shared.
Where to Watch
The game will kick off at 7:30 pm IST on Monday, 30 December, 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
