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The Indian Super League is well into the business end of proceedings, and Mumbai City FC, the League Shield Winners from last season, are looking to up the ante as they approach the home stretch. Next on the agenda for the Islanders, is one of Indian football’s oldest clubs, East Bengal, at one of the country’s most iconic stadiums, the Salt Lake Stadium.
For Petr Kratky side’s, who suffered an unfortunate defeat at the hands of Jamshedpur FC in the last game, the contest against the Red and Gold brigade becomes a tad bit more important in the overall context of the points table.
Speaking ahead of the game, the coach said, “We have had a good week of preparation and the boys are looking very sharp, so we hope things will play out well in terms of application on Tuesday. If we do the things well, it will help us, and we are looking forward to the game.”
Understandably unhappy after the previous defeat, the players are raring to go, and put on a strong performance in Kolkata. Captain Rahul Bheke said, “For all the players, it was a little tough after the last result, but we are all working very hard in training, and we can’t wait to get back to winning ways soon.”
While the Mumbai City FC side are doing their bit in training, the squad is well aware of the task on hand against East Bengal, who recently ended a trophy drought when they won the Kalinga Super Cup.
“They (East Bengal) are a very good side and that is why they won the Super Cup. Even though they lost against NorthEast United, it means nothing, because they will be keen to bounce back, and we have to be ready from the first minute. We have to work hard, because they are a good team with quality players, but also, we want to bounce back, and I believe it will be a good game to watch, and we are 100% ready for the contest,” the coach said.
The skipper has also issued a rallying cry for his teammates, and is quietly confident that the squad will bring their best game to the fore. “I think from here on in, all the games are very important for us, and I think it is important for all of us, the youngsters and the seniors, to be very consistent throughout the league. We have seen that the youngsters have done quite well in the previous games, including the Super Cup, so we have to be consistent for the rest of the games, and that will be very helpful for the side,” Bheke added.
Ahead of the game against East Bengal, the Mumbai City FC side have received a massive boost as defender Akash Mishra is available for selection. And the coach is pleased about that development. Looking ahead, he said, “The boys had missed a few games, and now they are buzzing to come back and play for Mumbai City FC. They are absolute fighters, and they want to win, which is very important. And now we have to apply ourselves and work hard from the first minute, and I believe in this group, and I am looking forward to seeing Akash and the rest of the squad take the pitch again and fight for a win.”
The game will kick off at 7:30pm IST on Tuesday, February 13 and will be broadcasted on Sports 18 and Jio Cinema.
