MCFC coach Des Buckingham warns his side, Chennaiyin FC will be different from Durand Cup

The head coach also shared his views on promising young forward Ayush Chhikara.

The two former ISL champions, Mumbai City and Chennaiyin FC have already met once in a Durand Cup fixture before the onset of the ISL season. The match was a topsy-turvy one from which Mumbai City FC emerged victorious by a margin of 5-3. Hence, all eyes would be on Saturday's fixture when the two sides meet again. Before departing for Chennai, Mumbai City head coach Des Buckingham and defender Sanjeev Stalin addressed a press conference in Mumbai.

Edited excerpts from the conference are as follows.

On losing points from winning positions

Des Buckingham did not sound much worried about losing points, at least not right away. He asserted that as long as his team continues to play good football, the team will earn points. He said, "When you put it in the context of where we are sitting on the table, we are in a good position. With five games in, we have scored more goals than any other team in the league right now. We have two wins after five games, so we have defensively been a bit short.

He added, "As long as we continue to get better in each game, the points will come. We want three points in every game. Our work is not easy as the other teams are also trying to do that."

Opinion on the match against ATK Mohun Bagan

Buckingham focused on the positive takeaways from their game against ATK Mohun Bagan. He said, "In the last match, we had 21 efforts on the goal, among which we hit the crossbar three times. The biggest thing for me is that we are creating those chances. It is not just about creating chances, it is about how we create the chances.

"If we are able to finish a few more of our opportunities, it will make the games a little more manageable for us. But the biggest thing is we are creating those chances. For me, it is important to make sure that we are finishing our games, and to make sure that everyone on the pitch is involved in creating at least half a chance," he asserted.

Thoughts on Chennaiyin FC

In reply to a question, Des Buckingham expressed his thoughts on Chennaiyin FC. He said that he expects the Marina Machans to be a better side than it was in the Durand Cup. He stated, "Chennaiyin FC has got a new coach and a few new players, and I think the more time they will spend together, we will get to see what they want to do. I don't think it will be the same team from the Durand Cup fixture on Saturday.

"It will be a different team. I say this because they have had time together. They have had a few games which shall give them enough time to prepare together. I am sure they have got better," the tactician added.

On the future of Ayush Chhikara

Des Buckingham expressed his opinion on the quality of young striker Ayush Chhikara. He also stated his plans regarding the future of the young Indian striker. He said, "I am always thinking about bringing in the best Indian football players to play for this football club. Ayush is a very talented, a very different type of Indian centre-forward that I don't think I have seen in the ISL. He certainly has the potential to go on and play for the country.

He continued, "We have just inducted him into the side keeping an eye on the long-term prospects of the team. He will add to the depth of the forward position of the team, even if not now, but certainly in the future. So, I see Ayush in that category. He is also able to play in any part of the park."

Sanjeev on working with Des Buckingham

Left-back Sanjeev Stalin informed the media what the coach wants from the players in general and what from him in particular to showcase the coach's philosophy. He said, "It is simple. The coach always has a plan for each and every game. So, just before a game, he tells us that this is the plan for the game. During a game, we do what the coach has exactly asked for.

He added, "At times, we have to make certain decisions that are very important for the team to perform well and win. In the five games so far, we have had a good start, a positive start. We have many more games to play. The mindset of the coach is to win every game. And as a player, we make it simple by doing whatever the coach asks us."

Sanjeev on what he hopes to achieve going into the season

Sanjeev expressed what he wants to achieve from the league this season. He said, "As a player, you always want to play all the games for 90 minutes. That's what a player wants the most in his (or her) career. I am happy that I am getting a chance to play and I am happy that the coach is trusting me. We have more games to play and there are some games ahead that will be very difficult. Hopefully, with all my efforts, I can perform well and help the team win those games."