We were good till 60th minute: Des Buckingham after Al Hilal loss

Des Buckingham showered praise on the young Mumbai City players.

Mumbai City FC crossed paths with a star-studded Al Hilal, who were notably missing their Brazilian sensation, Neymar, in a thrilling showdown during the AFC Champions League 2023-24 group stage. The clash unfolded in dramatic fashion as the Islanders found themselves humbled by the Saudi-based powerhouse, suffering a humbling 6-0 defeat.

Until the 60th minute, The Islanders had poured every ounce of effort into the game, holding the score to just 1-0. However, when Al Hilal scored their second, Des Buckingham’s team fell apart and conceded four goals in quick succession to bring the scoreline to 6-0.

Here's what head coach Des Buckingham said after the defeat:

Thoughts on the game

Des Buckingham emphasised that Al Hilal's second goal was the pivotal moment that turned the tide of the match. The coach highlighted, “In the first half we were good up to the 60th minute, up until the second goal.”

“Very happy with how we set about what we did. We made it very difficult for them and also created a couple of chances. But, when you come up against quality, try to maintain that level of work, that level of quality, 90-95 minutes.”

What happened after the 60th minute?

As mentioned earlier, the Mumbai-based club held Al Hilal at bay quite effectively until the 60th minute. However, the coach shed light on what transpired after that pivotal second goal moment and how his team can avoid it. 

He said, “We are on a three league game to our season and you guys here are pretty far through, nearly towards the end of your regular season. Recognizing that, we are at very different points. The more that we play, the more we will be able to hit the levels that we need, be it in terms of fitness or match sharpness. That will allow us to compete over that period of time.”

Difference between ISL and ACL

Mumbai City FC have exhibited a split personality this year, triumphing in the domestic league while struggling with losses in the AFC Champions League. This duality can be attributed to the contrasting challenges posed by the toughness of the AFC Champions League.

Des Buckingham addressed, “This is our second consecutive time in the AFC Champions League. Last time, we played six games, where we won two and drew once. So, we were very competitive. And it also depends on the team you draw in the competition as well.”

“This season, we have certainly been drawn with three very tough teams and for me the strongest team in the tournament is Al Hilal,” the tactician explained.

Vikram in the starting XI

Vikram Partap Singh was once again included in the starting XI in the AFC Champions League campaign. When asked whether fans will get to see him more often, the Englishman replied, “We are a club that wants to develop young players and similar to many other clubs. But, we also want to be a club that gives them the opportunity to do that.”

“The AFC Champions League is a window to show what they can do, not just in Indian football, but to show Asia that we have very good players in India. It’s a very young side but they gave a very good individual performance against some of not just Asia’s best but also world’s best players,” Des Buckingham heaped praise on his young players.