I am happy to be part of the ISL for the development of Indian football-Guimaraes

The Mumbai boss said he’s ready for a tough game in Delhi.

Mumbai City continue their road trip as the head to Delhi to take on the Dynamos in the Indian Super League on Tuesday. Mumbai come into the game on the back of their first defeat against Kerala Blasters and manager Alexandre Guimaraes is keen to get back to winning ways. The Costa Rican has used rotation at every opportunity in the four games so far and when quizzed about whether it was a conscious ploy he was keen to stress that he has to manage the squad. “We have been doing this in practice in pre-season and the players are understanding that better and better. To evaluate this idea we have situation like injuries to our strikers, absence of players from Bengaluru. Things like this happen and till now we have managed that,” he stated Asked whether he’s considering any tactical changes in view of Delhi performance against NorthEast United in their last match the tactician said his team selection would depend on the feedback from his medical and fitness staff. The Bengaluru FC pairing of Amrinder Singh and Sunil Chhetri have been missed as they continue to be away on AFC Cup engagements, but reflecting on their absence the former Costa Rica boss said he is keen to manage with what he has. “They are playing in an important tournament which is good for Indian football and I wish them the best and hope they can reach an achievement for Indian football and I have to adapt with players I have,” he said. Commenting on the standard of the ISL and the quality of Indian players Guimaraes said, “I am really surprised of the level. First of all because it is not easy to maintain the level playing in the way the tournament is designed and the games have shown that it is very tough tournament. We have different styles which is good for Indian football to watch that and learn. Local players have shown good skills, discipline and desire to be better. So I am very pleased to be part of ISL to promote football.” Comparing the league to the Chinese Super League he added, “I think that it has different ways.You are just starting here your development with this intentions of ISL is to promote football in a different way. This is good but requires time. In China they had patience and took time. Till now local players have shown me this desire and passion which helps in step by step development. We have a lot of young players as compared to them playing in the league. I know what is going on for U-17 World Cup preparation and I am happy to be part of this development,” he elaborated. Photo © ISL Media