Don't know what the red card was given for: Mumbai City coach Des Buckingham

Mumbai City won this game by a goal

Mumbai City FC defeated Kerala Blasters FC in their first home fixture in the ISL 2023-24, keeping fans from both teams on the edge of their seats. The stadium buzzed with excitement as every moment of the game was filled with exuberant energy, creating an unforgettable spectacle.

However, it was the Islanders who seized the game, courtesy of goals from Jorge Pereyra Diaz and Apuia. Des Buckingham appeared delighted after the victory, discussing how his team would harness this momentum to propel them forward.

Let’s take a look on the post match conference:

Yoell Van Nieff's red card

The match between Mumbai City FC and Kerala Blasters saw a lot of brawl between the teams, especially at the end. Yoell Van Nieff, the number 8 of The Islanders also received a red card following the same.

Des Buckingham highlighted the importance of Yoell and how will it affect their future performances, "I don't know what the red card was given for, just a lot of bodies in and around so we will look into that and deal with that later. We have to fight again and we need to have control because we can't lose players."

"We have a very busy schedule. The good thing is we have set El Khayati out. He has missed the pre-season and he is very keen to play more football. But we have players to cover." Des also added value to El Khayati's return.

Thoughts on the referring

The referee gave out a bundle of red and yellow cards to both the teams during the match, which led to a lot of fingers pointing on the ISL referring. Des addressed, " We played 90 minutes in the second half. When you don't deal with small issues, they then become bigger, and bigger, and eventually it leads to this."

"For the first 80 minutes the game was very good. Two good teams trying to play against each other. Then it became more scrappy, they became more scrappy."The coach highlighted the change of intensity after the 80th minute.

Kerala Blasters more absorbent

Even though the Islanders had more control of the ball, but the Kerala Blasters team magnificently absorbed the pressure and intensity. The Tuskers were a tough but to crack for Des Buckingham side.

"The teams sit back and we know this. The one thing we spoke about at half time, we have to move the ball quicker, we have to be more positive upfront. We get the play in and keep cracking them, the team can't sustain that much pressure." Des addressed how his team squeezed the win out of the game.

Apuia on the scoresheet

The Mumbai City FC defensive midfielder was on the scoresheet, courtesy of Des Buckingham and his gameplay which let's him enjoy that space and goal scoring opportunities. Des praised the youngster's attitude during the post match press conference.

"I can't speak highly enough of Apuia. He is a young player, he is 22. His attitude is as good as it can and should be. He tries to improve his game everyday." Des added.