Mumbai City FC head coach Petr Kratky highlights preparation ahead of Inter Kashi clash

Mumbai City FC are undefeated in ISL 2025-26 so far

A big clash awaits as Mumbai City FC travel to face Inter Kashi in the Indian Super League 2025–26 season. Mumbai have remained unbeaten so far, but dropped crucial points in their last two matches, settling for draws after being in strong winning positions.

With the team now aiming to return to winning ways, the Islanders will be targeting a commanding performance away from home against an impressive Inter Kashi side.

Ahead of the encounter, Mumbai City FC head coach Petr Kratky and midfielder Joni Kauko addressed the media during the pre-match press conference, speaking about the importance of the fixture and the team’s preparations.

Let us take a closer look at what both had to say ahead of this much-anticipated clash.

Petr Kratky pleased with impact from left flank

When asked about the impact from the left flank in the previous match, Petr Kratky expressed satisfaction with the performance and the growing understanding between Akash Mishra and Noufal on that side.

“I am very happy. The preparation wasn’t ideal going into this short season in certain areas like our left side, like I said very happy, hopefully they will keep going not only on the left side but also on the other sides.”

Kratky emphasizes preparation to counter Inter Kashi’s challenge

When asked about the tactical challenges posed by Inter Kashi and their high-tempo pressing style, Petr Kratky stressed that the team follows the same preparation process for every opponent.

Kratky added that the team continues to train and refine their approach ahead of the match, focusing on understanding how Inter Kashi press and looking to neutralize those threats on the pitch.

“As every game we prepare ourselves against opposition, now it is Inter Kashi, so we analyze them try and stop them against whatever they throw at us. Again, we train and we even have more training today and let’s see what happens, but again we do the processes every game the same, we have analyzed Inter Kashi and how they try to hold us and we will try to stop it.”

“Inter Kashi is a very good team, and they are in ISL for a reason because they are very well cultured and very well drilled and they are defensively very strong, so we are preparing according to that. We are aware of their strengths, and we will have to carry energy and good attitude in this game from the start.” he further added.

Kratky stresses on team approach over individual roles

Responding to a question about the role of full backs in build-up play and chance creation this season, Petr Kratky emphasized that the team’s approach is not focused on a single position but on the collective performance of the entire side.

“Look we have to create how we want to play our football and how we can get the (opposition). It’s all about training and the preparation and get better in certain areas. It’s not only about the full backs, the center backs, but all the players of the team. My job is to make everyone play good football and try to win the game. But again, we will try to adjust our way against Inter Kashi, so we can win the game, how we do it, again we have couple of more days to prepare and get a clear understanding of how to do it, so we just need to train for it now.”

Kauko ready to adapt against former club Inter Kashi

Speaking about facing his former side Inter Kashi, Joni Kauko admitted that it will be a familiar challenge but one he is looking forward to. The Mumbai City FC midfielder said he understands the club well and has a good idea of what they try to do on the pitch.

“Obviously I know the club really well, I know the drill what they are doing at least what they are trying to do and the coach also in that case is nice to face them see what they will bring obviously when I join a new team, I always try to adapt into the team and all the time I have played in India I have played different roles and there are few different positions few different styles I can play in my opinion so I am trying my best to adapt to the team.”

Injury updates

Petr Kratky also provided an update on the fitness of Dhruv Alva and Jorge Ortiz ahead of the upcoming clash. The Mumbai City FC head coach indicated that the medical staff are closely monitoring both players as they continue their recovery process.

“Both Dhruv and Ortiz are injured and are out from this clash as well. Ortiz is recovering very well; I am very happy with his progress and there are couple of more trainings to go. Everyone is working hard and they are getting back, so I am excited for that and let’s see what they can do for us in the next games.”

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