My task was to turn Mumbai City FC into a CFG club: Des Buckingham

The manager revealed how his former profession helped him as a coach at Mumbai City FC.

The youngest coach in the Indian Super League, Des Buckingham, is proving that his hard work and dedication are paying off. Mumbai City FC, under his guidance, is gearing up to battle it out in the AFC Champions League and domestic competitions, marking a significant milestone for the Englishman.

Building upon the foundation laid by his predecessor, Sergio Lobera, Buckingham's coaching philosophy emphasizes playing out from the back. However, the team initially faced challenges during their first season under Buckingham's leadership. They scored 36 goals from 20 games during the 2020-21 season but conceded 31 goals in return.

Transformation under Des Buckingham

In an interview with Sky Sports, Buckingham shed light on the transformation that took place within the team. He revealed, "Indian players were used to being told what to do and how to do it." Recognizing this, Buckingham made it a priority to empower the players by encouraging open conversations and actively involving them in their development. He explained, "That first year (in the bio bubble), we spent a lot of time getting them comfortable having conversations to drive their development."

One area of focus for Buckingham was the team's approach to playing out from the back. He stated, "During the (first) season, we had one or two different ways of doing that depending upon how the opposition pressed us. Now, after spending time on it, and with them asking questions, we have five or six ways." This dedication to innovation and flexibility in their playing style allowed Mumbai City FC to adapt to different game situations effectively.

Prior self helped Buckingham

Des Buckingham's background as a teacher proved invaluable in his coaching approach. Reflecting on his experiences, he shared, "I was a teacher for four years, and those years helped set up the framework for how people learn and how to involve people in their learning. If they understand it, you do not have to remind them every week." By fostering an environment that encouraged understanding and independent thinking, Buckingham enabled the players to take ownership of their development and execute their roles with greater confidence.

Objectives as the Mumbai City FC manager

As the head coach of Mumbai City FC, Buckingham had two important objectives. He explained, "There were two remits. One of them was to develop the young Indian players, and the other was to implement what I learned at Melbourne (City FC) to make this a CFG (City Football Group) club." The City Football Group's influence has been instrumental in providing guidance and support to Buckingham, allowing him to implement successful strategies and build a sustainable football culture within the club.

Expressing gratitude for the opportunities he has been given, Buckingham humbly stated, "I am very fortunate with the journey of the last 21 years, but certainly the last three years. I would like to think I have started to repay them already," he concluded.

As Mumbai City FC prepare for the challenges that lie ahead in the AFC Champions League and domestic competitions, Dus Buckingham's influence will undoubtedly continue to shape the team's journey. With his innovative coaching methods, emphasis on player development, and commitment to implementing CFG principles, Buckingham is paving the way for a bright future for Mumbai City FC.