Resuming back to ISL is something we're looking forward to: Anthony Fernandes

Anthony Fernandes also spoke about Mumbai City’s tight December schedule.

In a highly anticipated showdown, Mumbai City FC are poised to lock horns with Bengaluru FC in the upcoming ISL 2023-24 fixture, reviving memories of their intense semi-final clash from the previous season. The Blues emerged victorious then, securing a ticket to the finals. 

Mumbai, currently positioned fifth, enter the match following an extended hiatus from the domestic league. The encounter promises a high-octane spectacle, with both teams eager to make a statement. As they reunite on the pitch, the narrative is set for a gripping battle, laden with history and the determination to ascend the ISL ranks.

Here we’ll take a look at what Mumbai City head coach Anthony Fernandes and midfielder Vinit Rai had to say ahead of the match:

Away Trip to Bengaluru

The Islanders recently concluded their AFC Champions League campaign, losing all their matches in the tournament. They are set to resume their ISL journey with an away trip to Bengaluru. Anthony Fernandes started, “We are back in the ISL. Last game we played was almost a month back and we had a few ACL games in between, but resuming back to the ISL is something we are looking forward to.”

“The team is very well prepared for an away game. It’s more about recovery and rest. Another two sessions we will work on the tactical bit, and we will get ourselves as prepared as possible,” the tactician added.

Looking for Improvements

Vinit Rai hasn’t been involved much in the Mumbai City FC squad this season and when asked what aspects he would like to improve this season, the player highlighted, “For me it’s not a certain thing like that. As a player, whenever I go to the pitch, I always try to focus on my training, in every aspect of the game.”

“Since I have joined Mumbai City FC, coach Des, Anthony sir, and every other backroom staff has helped me a lot to grow myself as a player and I think with that I am trying my best to help the team and to help grow myself,” Vinit replied.

Help from Foreign players

Mumbai City FC boast a roster rich with foreign talent, and Vinit Rai sheds light on how these international players have played a pivotal role in his personal growth. He said, “All of them are highly experienced. They have played at a good level of the league.”

“Many of them have been playing in the ISL since 6-7 years, like Tiri. It’s not about one player but everyone. They are senior players and as per them I am also young in terms of experience and many other things. Whenever we (young players) make mistakes, they try to help us out,” he compounded.

Tight December schedule

The Islanders have a very tight schedule in December with the team playing an ISL game every four days. Anthony Fernandes was asked on how he will keep the players fit and ready for each game. He replied, “We play six games in twenty four days. This is where a big and fit squad is what helps you to go around these matches. We have been fortunate that all of our players are available for the selections except for Yoell van Nieff. This is going to be a key thing in these twenty four days. We will take one step at a time.”

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