Mumbai FC’s new head coach Santosh Kashyap said, “We want to finish in the top three this season. There are challenges to overcome with new settings. We will concentrate and achieve our objective.”
“You will see attacking and attractive football from Mumbai FC. Six years the team has played in one style (under former coach Khalid Jamil). The players have to now adapt to my style of play which will be attacking and effective. We will go for wins in all matches,” said the former India international at the media conference.
He also said veteran midfielder Steven Dias will captain the squad and added, “I have given him some tips and you will see how dangerous Steven Dias is in dead-ball situations. We have also introduced GPS system to monitor the players’ fitness.”
Last season Mumbai FC finished fifth, their best ever I-League finish and they open their campaign against Pune’s DSK Shivajians FC in a Maharashtra derby at the Cooperage Stadium on Sunday, January 8.
“I personally want to win the I-League. I grew up here and want to play in Mumbai,” said newly appointed captain Steven Dias.
New recruited goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani said, “the team is jelling well and we are looking forward to the new season.”
The team will train near Panvel but was encouraged to use the facilities at the Mumbai Football Arena in Andheri, venue of this season’s Mumbai City FC’s ISL matches, by Mumbai District Football Association’s chairman, Aditya Thackeray, who was present at the press conference.
Coming to speak about the I-League in general, Mumbai FC deputy Vice-President Atul Badgamia said, “I am not apprehensive as I feel the AIFF and FIFA (world body) will support us. I am keeping my fingers crossed.”
Present on the occasion wer Aditya Thackeray, Mumbai District Football Association chairman; Sagar Sule of Paywin, the official club sponsor; Dr. S. Narayani from Fortis, Mulund, Healthcare Partner; and Irfan Khan from Jaffer Bhai’s Delhi Darbar, the Hospitality Partner.
Mumbai FC have strengthened the squad by signing Pratik Chaudhary (Kerala Blasters), Laxmikant Kattimani (FC Goa), Victorino Fernandes (Sporting Clube de Goa), Thoi Singh, Siam Hangal (both Chennaiyin FC), Reagan Singh (NorthEast United FC).
MUMBAI FC
Goalkeepers
Laxmikant Kattimani, Kunal Sawant
Defenders
Clyde Fernandes, Chinta Chandrasekhar Rao, Shalum Pires, Lalchhawnkima, Allan Dias, Pratik Chaudhary, Munmum Singh, Reagan Singh
Midfielders
Hitesh Sharma, Nikhil Kadam, Siam Hanghal, Pratesh Shirodkar, Shilton Fernandes,, Steven Dias (Captain), Thoi Singh
Forwards
Karan Sawhney, Victorino Fernandes, Faruk Chaudhary