Our success in ACL would evoke a sense of pride throughout the nation, asserts Mumbai City midfielder Vinit Rai

The midfielder was a part of Mumbai City's ISL League Winners' Shield winning squad

Talking about consistency and quality performances in Indian football, Mumbai City FC will be a name to strike our heads. In the past few seasons, the team have been crowned champions of both the ISL League Winners' Shield and title. For the quality performances displayed by the Islanders in the recent past, major credit should go to the coaching staff and skillful players they have in their squad. Vinit Rai, the 25-year-old midfielder hailing from Assam is one such prospect who has been instrumental to the club's recent success.

In an exclusive conversation with Khel Now, the talented midfielder for Mumbai City FC, opened up about his experiences and journey in professional football. He discussed his reasons for joining Mumbai City, the impact of the coaching staff, his perspective on the club's recent successes and his personal growth as a player.

The Journey of Professional Growth with Mumbai City FC

The professional environment at Mumbai City FC is evident across all aspects, from coaching to medical support and beyond. According to Vinit Rai, "Everyone prioritizes the players' needs, ensuring their comfort so they can focus solely on the game." He attributes his significant growth and improvement to the unwavering trust shown by the coaching staff, a key factor in his decision to extend his contract with the club.

Experience at Mumbai City

Vinit Rai's move to Mumbai City FC was driven by his desire to experience challenges and fierce competition. He mentions, "During my time in Odisha, I didn't encounter much competition." Joining Mumbai City FC surrounded him with accomplished Indian midfielders, which undoubtedly contributed to his growth as a player.

Appreciating Coaching Insights

Rai lauds head coach Des Buckingham and the team for their contributions. "Des Buckingham and the entire coaching staff have been incredibly beneficial to me. They consistently make an effort to connect with me after each match, providing detailed insights into my performance. They highlight my strengths during the game and express their appreciation for those moments. Additionally, they pinpoint areas where I can enhance my performance and generate better results. These valuable interactions have significantly contributed to my progress over the past year," acknowledges Rai.

A Historic Unbeaten Streak

In the 2022–23 Indian Super League, Buckingham led Mumbai to an 18-game unbeaten streak, the longest in the history of the Indian Super League. Rai attributes Mumbai City FC's unbeaten streak to collective efforts. "The success we attained in the previous season was a result of the efforts put in last year. This achievement is attributed to the dedicated coaching staff, the players, and all those who supported the club.

"To maintain this level of success, we must remain committed to our game plan and have faith in our coach's guidance. We will strive to implement his strategies both during matches and training sessions, as this approach proved effective in the previous season. Trusting in his methods, we aim to replicate our achievements on the field once again," he emphasizes.

The Influence of Coach Des Buckingham

Coach Des Buckingham's role in the team's success was highlighted. Rai connects the 13-game streak to Buckingham's leadership. "The impressive streak of 13 undefeated games by Mumbai last season can be attributed to the significant influence of coach Des Buckingham. His leadership played a pivotal role in securing consecutive victories.

"Moreover, our players exhibited unwavering determination and a strong competitive spirit in every game. We never surrendered, maintaining a constant motivation to emerge victorious in each match we contested," Rai states.

Gratitude and Dedication

Rai expresses gratitude to family and unwavering commitment. "I've consistently felt a deep sense of gratitude for everything I possess in my life. My current position fills me with immense gratitude towards both God and my family, particularly my father. They have been instrumental in supporting my career journey through its highs and lows.

"While the path has presented its share of challenges, my commitment to hard work has remained unwavering. Each day, I strive to give my best effort, and maintain faith that things will eventually align as they should," Rai maintains.

AFC Champions League Memories and Aspirations

Participation in the AFC Champions League brings joy. "I had the privilege of participating in the 2021-22 tournament when it was held in Mumbai. The feeling of being part of that squad fills me with immense joy, as it marks a proud moment in my career. The significance of the achievements we accomplished and the historical milestones we reached during that time cannot be overstated; those memories will forever remain ingrained in my mind."

"Similarly, this year, we find ourselves with a formidable team and a roster of exceptional players. Our primary focus is to continually improve upon our previous performances. Despite finishing second in the group stages last time, we, unfortunately, didn't progress to the next round. Our foremost objective for the upcoming tournament remains to secure a place beyond the group stages. It's important to remember that we aren't just representing Mumbai, but the entirety of India. Our success would evoke a sense of pride throughout the nation. With this in mind, we are committed to giving our very best and striving for even better outcomes compared to our last endeavor," Rai recalls. Looking ahead, he aims to improve their performance in upcoming tournaments.

Looking Ahead to ISL Season

Rai anticipates the new Indian Super League season with enthusiasm. "I'm thrilled about the upcoming Indian Super League season, especially with the addition of new players to our squad. We have a strong core from last season, and our goal is to defend the Champions Shield and clinch the Hero Indian Super League Title.

"Every match holds immense importance as it's a valuable learning opportunity that strengthens us and enhances our understanding of the game. We aim to win all three domestic trophies and excel in the AFC Champions League," Rai asserts.