Match Preview: Semifinal – 1st Leg: FC Goa Vs Mumbai City FC
It is a case of all hands-on deck currently, as Mumbai City FC look to overcome their next hurdle, the semi-finals of the Indian Super League, where they will take on the arch-rivals FC Goa. The two-legged contest will see the first leg played in Goa, with the return leg at the Mumbai Football Arena.
Looking ahead, Head Coach Petr Kratky was very clear about how the Islanders are approaching the contest. He said, “It is a different competition from the main league, and we have two games first, so we have to be ready from the start. I am happy because the squad looks to be in a positive place and have bounced back from the last result, and are looking to improve constantly. We are ready for the game.”
While the coach has kept things quite simple for the majority of the journey so far, goal-keeper Phurba Lachenpa too has followed that same mantra over the course of the season. He’s kept 8 clean sheets in his 19 outings for the Islanders, and will be looking for more. Speaking ahead of the game, he said, “Whether it is a clean sheet or a win or a draw, whatever is the result, it is always an overall team effort. And we defend as a team and attack as a team. So credit goes to all the players, who are always there to help. It is always essentially up to the teamwork. I do make saves but the defenders also do their job and that helps keep the defence in place.”
The young keeper also touched upon what he feels is the most crucial aspect of the game, and said, “As a keeper, there is a thin line of difference between success and failure, we start a lot of the moves and defend as well, so doing those things well is very important. Sometimes, it is important to read the game well from the back and know when to come out as a sweeper and anticipate accordingly. Those are some of the very important moments.”
Mumbai City FC’s games against FC Goa have always been well contested, with both sides going for the kill. And the coach is well aware of the task on hand. He noted, “FC Goa is a very good team, they were doing well in the first half of the season, but injuries have hurt them, and they have bounced back after that. So we are well aware of their quality, and we all saw the previous game. They are a quality team, and we are sure of ourselves, and we know how good we can be as a team as well, and we are clear about how we are approaching this game.”
“We have to start well, this is a knockout phase, and every game is a final. So we have to make sure the players are physically and mentally prepared for the 180 minutes. It will not be easy but we have to work hard and do well, so that the fans can enjoy the performance,” the coach signed off.
