After going on an 8-match unbeaten run, Mumbai City FC, who are currently top of the points table in the ISL, will turn their attention to Odisha FC, in what is their last home game of the season. The last time the two sides met in the ISL, the contest ended in an entertaining 2-2 draw in Bhubaneshwar, and this time round the Islanders will be keen to keep up the momentum in the final weeks of the tournament.
Petr Kratky touched upon the importance of the mental side of the things for two upcoming games, saying, “Our focus is more on the mental preparation than the physical. Our squad has talented players who know how to play football, so we emphasize more on basics things like staying calm, staying positive, focusing throughout the game, things like that. We have players who share winning mentality, who know that hard work will lead the team to success, so we don’t fear about being complacent.”
Odisha FC are also one of the contenders for the title and can provide a stern test for the Islanders. Coach Kratky explained the tricky challenge ahead of them and spoke some words about the opposition saying, “Odisha FC are one of the best teams in India and they are a quality team who have talented players. We know the challenges and we embrace them. The last two games are difficult ones but we are excited to face this challenge. Tomorrow, we go into this match with no fear and play with our strengths and expose their weaknesses.
The Wall at the back, Mehtab Singh has won two League Winner Shields with Mumbai City FC, and he spoke at length about his desire to win a third one. He said, “Every year when you start the league, there is a hunger to become the Champion and win the title. We have players who have previously won the title and some who haven’t but everyone in the club share the similar focus on clinching the title.”
He added, “It’s an important game for us, we are preparing ourselves well for the challenges ahead but our focus is to win the game and get the crucial three points in our fight for the title."
