Petr Kratky highlights importance of Mumbai City's final ISL league game against Bengaluru FC

Petr Kratky’s Mumbai City FC need to win or draw against Bengaluru FC to make it to the playoffs

Last season’s Indian Super League (ISL) Cup winners, Petr Kratky’s Mumbai City FC, are set to play a do-or-die game against Bengaluru FC at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Tuesday. The Islanders have not won any of their last four league games and are now under pressure.

Currently seventh, a loss in their last league game will knock Mumbai City out of the playoff race, helping Odisha FC to finish in the top six. Here’s what MCFC’s head coach Petr Kratky had to say about his side before the high pressure game against Bengaluru FC.

Mumbai City are approaching the game against Bengaluru FC as an ISL Final!

Petr Kratky was asked in the pre-match press conference if the game against Bengaluru FC would be the most challenging for him since joining Mumbai City FC. To this, the coach replied, “I think it’s a similar game from last season, for Shield or you know, last season, for Grand Final, it’s the same game.”

“It’s all or nothing, you know. So, for me, it’s another Grand Final, another final game of the season. If you win, you win and if you don’t, you’re not. So, for me, it’s the same pressure as before. I need to do my best for the boys to perform. You know, it’s all about putting and handling what is in front of us.”

Petr Krakty concluded by saying, “I told the boys, we strive for this environment and that’s why we are here. I like the saying that pressure makes diamonds or turns you to dust. So, we will know how good we are. But, again, for me, it’s the same game like the last season for Shield or Grand Final. We have to go and win the game.”

Will Mumbai City look to play for a draw against Bengaluru FC?

Both Mumbai City and Odisha FC are on 33 points. While the Juggernauts have already played all their games, the Islanders’ last league game is against Bengaluru FC on Tuesday. A draw would be sufficient to help MCFC qualify.

When asked if Mumbai City were targeting a draw going into the game, Petr Kratky said, “No, no chance, I never play for a draw. I hate it and don’t think it’s a good mentality. I think we need to go and try to be our best, play good football, be aggressive, and try to win the game. For me the approach is always the same, you know.”

“I want to win the games and then if it’s not going well, maybe you can draw back. I’m here to win the games and the approach has to be there. So, I don’t want any calculations, anything on the pitch from my players or staff. We have to go there and fight to win the game.”

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