“We have to prepare for every moment against FC Goa” Petr Kratky asks for focus ahead of FC Goa vs Mumbai City FC

Mumbai City FC are still undefeated in ISL 2025-26

With the business end of the ISL 2025-26 season approaching, Mumbai City will take on FC Goa on 18th April in a crucial away fixture, as the Islanders look to extend their unbeaten run and secure crucial points in the title race.

This fixture could very well decide the fate of Mumbai City FC’s ISL glory, as they are currently just a point ahead of Mohun Bagan SG. A loss for Mumbai will open up the title race for Mohun Bagan SG, Jamshedpur FC, East Bengal FC, Bengaluru FC and even FC Goa with all remaining in touching distance of the top spot.

Whereas a victory for the islanders will not only solidify their position on the top spot but also give them huge confidence boost moving forward.

Ahead of this crucial fixture against FC Goa, Mumbai City FC’s head coach Petr Kratky and midfielder Brandon Fernandes addressed the media in the pre-match press conference. Let us look at what they had to say before heading into this all important fixture.

Kratky aware of FC Goa’s threat

Kratky acknowledged the quality of FC Goa, labeling them as one of the toughest opponents in the league and emphasizing detailed preparation.

“We are focusing on every area to be honest, Goa is a very strong team, it was strong in the previous season and is a strong team now and one of the strongest in India, so we have to prepare every single moment because they have the strength to hurt us. Again, we are preparing according to that”

The Mumbai City FC coach also pointed out that his squad has been working hard on the training ground, with final sessions aimed at fine-tuning their approach before matchday.

“The boys have been training very well… we have two more training sessions so we just continue our work towards the game.”

Kratky calls for focus on every game

Despite the stakes, Kratky is not letting his players get carried away with bigger-picture thinking about the ISL title yet. His philosophy remains simple, focus on the next match and give everything on the pitch.

“I don’t think about it, and the players don’t think where we are, we just go game by game, do our best during the game and this is to me the most important thing. So as soon as we put everything on the pitch where we say we did everything to succeed that’s what I’m asking for, and I do believe the team can bring success and I think game by game and the next game is FC Goa and this is the important thing for me now.”

This grounded approach reflects Mumbai’s intent to build consistency rather than look too far ahead in the competition.

The evolution under Petr Kratky

Now the longest-serving head coach in the club’s history, Kratky also reflected on how the team’s identity has evolved under his leadership.

“Over the past couple of seasons, the team has experienced many changing circumstances and we have had to adapt to each one. This season is another step in that journey, where the focus is on playing more controlled and consistent football.”

He acknowledged the progress made so far, but made it clear that there is still room for improvement.

“While we are happy with the progress so far, there is still room to improve, especially in terms of being more dominant on the ball and managing games better.”

Brandon on team first approach and his recent performance

Brandon expressed relief and happiness after ending his goal drought, saying it has boosted his confidence ahead of the Goa clash.

“I’m very happy to score the goal (against Jamshedpur) and it was a long wait for me and finally I scored a goal and obviously the morale and confidence has risen but yeah it’s another game for us against Goa, very important game as we have to go there and give our best and we know that it’s going to be a tough game so we have to be mentally and physically prepared to face them and try to win that game.”

The midfielder underlined his commitment to the team, emphasizing effort and contribution over everything else.

“The most important thing for me is to go and perform on the pitch and help my teammates… it’s all about giving my 100 percent and doing well for the team.”

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