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Mumbai City will host East Bengal FC at the Mumbai Football Arena on 5th May in their final home fixture of the season, with the Islanders looking to finish the campaign strongly in front of their fans.
The Islanders are set for a demanding contest against an opposition that has shown attacking quality and consistency this season. Head Coach Petr Kratky acknowledged the strength of the opposition while reinforcing belief in his squad’s preparation. “East Bengal FC have shown a lot of quality this season and we are fully aware of their strengths, so we are preparing accordingly. At the same time, I believe if we deliver what we have been working on in training and give everything on the pitch, our team has the ability to get a positive result,” he said.
Highlighting the significance of the occasion, the Head Coach also stressed the importance of making the final home game of the season count. “It is our last home game of the campaign and we want to finish on a high. We have worked very hard throughout the season and now it is about putting in a strong performance and doing everything we can to bring three points for the fans,” he added.
Echoing the coach’s sentiment, Captain Lallianzuala Chhangte emphasised the role of the fans and the team’s desire to deliver for them. “The fans have supported us through every situation this season and we are very grateful for that. We are expecting them to turn out in big numbers again and we want to give them something to be proud of in this last home match,” he said. The skipper also highlighted the positive morale within the squad heading into the fixture, adding, “The environment in the team is very positive right now. The energy in training has been good and our intention is clear. We are focused on winning all the remaining games and executing the plans we have worked on.”
On the tactical front, the Head Coach stressed the importance of collective responsibility, particularly against a team known for its attacking approach. “We have faced strong attacking teams before and done well defensively. We must work together as a team and stay organised. It is not just about the backline, rather all eleven players have to contribute. This will give us the platform to perform well both defensively and offensively,” he explained.
With the season entering its final stretch, the Head Coach also spoke on the mindset within the squad. “We have three games to go now and we will give everything on the pitch. At this stage, it is about fighting in every moment and making sure we have no regrets at the end of the season. I see a positive attitude in the group, the players want to compete and push themselves, and that is what we need in this phase of the season,” he added.
With every point carrying added significance in this phase of the season, Mumbai City will look to combine intensity and belief as they aim to secure a crucial result in front of their home supporters. The match is set to kick off at 7:30 PM on Tuesday and will be broadcast live on Sony Sports Network and streamed on FanCode.
