Looking forward to a positive result: Anthony Fernandes ahead of Navbahor clash

Mumbai City boss Anthony Fernandes expresssed determination of winning the Navbahor game.

Mumbai City FC are gearing up for a crucial clash against PFC Navbahor in the AFC Champions League 2023-24. This showdown marks the Islanders’ final group match, and unfortunately, the team has faced significant challenges throughout the competition.

Despite the downs, the Mumbai City FC faithful are eagerly anticipating this last chance for redemption in the group stage. The Islanders, currently positioned last in the group with zero points, are determined to turn the tide and showcase their true potential on the grand stage of the AFC Champions League.

Let’s take a look at what head coach Anthony Fernandes and player Lallianzuala Chhangte had to comment before the match:

Approach towards the game

After the departure of Englishman Des Buckingham, the team has appeared less cohesive. According to Anthony Fernandes, their approach needs to be better against the Uzbek-based club.

“It’s going to be a close encounter. Comparing we know, Navbahor are a good team. So, we expect them to come for a win, but we as a team are well prepared for this game and we are positive about the way we are going to play,” he mentioned

Chhangte added, “I think it’s an important game. It will be a challenging one. But, we want to win this game. Last few days, we were doing everything possible to do well in this game. Our preparation has been really well. We are ready to go and give our best. We want to put a smile on our fans and club.”

Coaching in the AFC Champions League

Mumbai City FC experienced a significant setback when Des Buckingham announced his departure. Following this, Anthony Fernandes was promoted to the position of head coach. Managing a team in the AFC Champions League is in itself a remarkable feat for a coach, and Anthony Fernandes has welcomed the opportunity with open arms.

He said, “For me it’s a huge opportunity to perform my skills. It was all of a sudden. In the game of football, we need to adapt to things. You normally plan a lot of things, but it doesn’t go as per your plans, and you need to adapt. So that is where I am adapting to this new role.”

Injuries and team news

Anthony Fernandes was asked whether his team is dealing with any injuries. In response, the coach replied, “We have the full squad available, which is a good sign for us. We are looking forward to this match with all the players available.”

Learnings from the AFC Champions League

Although the Islanders are yet to find the back of the net in the AFC Champions League 2023-24, the team, and Lallianzuala Chhangte, have a lot to learn from the competition. The winger highlighted, “I am really fortunate to be part of this Mumbai City football team. Playing at the highest level in Asia, it’s massive. Everytime you play a match like this, you have new things to learn and I think I have learned many things from those games that I have played.”

Ending on a high note

Prior to the game against Navbahor, Anthony Fernandes shed light on the mood of the camp. He said, “We need to finish it on a positive note.”

“If you see in the last two training sessions, there is the positiveness. The eagerness to play in this match is as high as possible. We need to go into the winning momentum in the ISL matches. We have prepared to the fullest, and we are looking forward to a positive result,” the coach concluded.

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