Rostyn Griffiths outlines difference between ISL & AFC Champions League

Rostyn Griffiths was happy of his side keeping their first clean-sheet in the ISL 2023-24.

Former Indian Super League (ISL) champions Mumbai City FC tore Bengaluru FC to shreds at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru. The Islanders emerged victorious after handing the Blues a 0-4 defeat last week.

They have been one of the best teams this season, both in terms of attacking and defending. The Islanders have conceded just six goals so far in the ISL and boast the joint second-best defensive record. Australian defender Rostyn Griffiths has played a very crucial role in keeping things tight at the back for his side.

In an interview with the ISL Media, Griffiths shared his thoughts on the game against Bengaluru FC and much more. Here are the excerpts:

On keeping a clean sheet against Bengaluru FC

The defender shared his thoughts on keeping a clean-sheet against Bengaluru FC. He said that it was very important for his side not to concede.

“Firstly for us, the most important thing is the clean sheet because we haven’t had one this season, so that’s really positive. And the other positive is that we had different goalscorers, not just one player scoring four goals.”

He also added that Mumbai City still have a few things to work upon.

“Everyone scored and we played some good football. We probably have a few things we want to work on. Unfortunately for Bengaluru FC, I think they are in a bad space at the moment. We were lucky we caught them on a bad day,” he stated.

AFC Champions League performances

Mumbai City FC have been one of the best teams in the ISL, but their performances in the AFC Champions League stated otherwise. Sharing his feelings on playing in the AFC Champions League, the defender said, “They just punish mistakes because, to be honest, I actually thought in four of the six games, we were the better team. And it sounds crazy because we have zero points and have only scored one goal. But honestly, in four of those games we dominated.

He added that the main difference between the AFC Champions League and the ISL is that you get punished if you do not convert your chances.

“We had 60-70% possession. But we had no goals and they had maybe two other chances and scored on the other side. So, you need to be clinical in Asia and, because you will get punished at the other end if you are not. That’s the main difference between the AFC (Champions League) and ISL,” he signed off.

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