We are ready for the battle, says Mumbai City head coach Petr Kratky

Both the ISL 2023-24 league games ended as a draw for FC Goa and Petr Kratky’s Mumbai City.

The anticipation crackles in the air as FC Goa prepare to clash with Mumbai City FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 semi-final at Fatorda Stadium. Fresh from a hard-won triumph over Chennaiyin FC in Knockout 2, the Gaurs radiate confidence, poised to take on The Islanders.

This is a pivotal moment for Mumbai City FC’s head coach, Petr Kratky. His debut game against the Gaurs at Fatorda ended in a tense deadlock, echoed by another draw at the Mumbai Football Arena. Now, as the stage shifts to the semi-finals’ first leg, the stakes soar high.

Petr Kratky spoke to the media ahead of the FC Goa clash. Let’s dive deep into the excepts.

Approach towards the game

While previous encounters ended in stalemates, the semifinals demand a shift in approach. FC Goa and Mumbai City FC will undoubtedly unleash new strategies and intensity in their quest for victory. Petr Kratky highlighted the same.

He stated, “Yeah it’s the finals, so it’s a little bit of a different competition. We have two games, so we have to be ready from the start. I am happy because the boys look positive, they bounced back, but we have a lot of things to improve from the season past and going to the finals. So, we are ready for the battle.”

Maintaining the momentum

Phurba Lachenpa, the Islanders’ goalkeeper has been rock solid throughout the season. When asked how he maintains his momentum, the shot-stopper heaped credit on every player of his team. “First of all as I mentioned before, whether it’s a clean sheet, whether it’s a win or a draw, it’s a whole team effort. We defend as a team and we attack as a team.

“So the credit goes to all the team members. All the players come and help and have always been there for the team. It’s always up to the teamwork, not only me, but defenders also do their job, and all the players do their job and that is why we can keep clean sheets this season as well. Hence the credit goes to the whole team,” Phurba mentioned.

The Islanders are also the team to have conceded the least amount of goals this season. Phurba added the same, “I do my basics right, that is very important. Secondly, we communicate a lot from behind, so that we are on the same pitch, and everything doesn’t mess up. Those are very important for our communication. Lastly to make saves, because it is most important for the goalkeepers.”

Most Crucial Aspect

When Phurba was quizzed on what is the crucial aspect for a goalkeeper, he asserted, “I think for us as a goalkeeper, there is a thin margin between success and failure. We start a lot of passes, we start a lot of attacks, and we defend as well. Those things are very important sometimes to read the game. Like from the back coming to sweep, anticipating sometimes where the ball is coming, how the attackers are coming, those are very important aspects of my game, reading the game before it reaches the six-yard box.”

These 180 minutes

Mumbai City FC will be visiting the Fatorda for the first leg and then will be hosting FC Goa at the Mumbai Football Arena. Petr Kratky highlighted the challenge of these 180 minutes over two legs. “Hopefully it will be good for us. But again we have to start well.

“It’s final, it’s a different competition, it’s all about the mindset. Make sure the players are physically, and mentally ready for it. Long ninety minutes twice, as you know there is extra time always, and hot conditions as well for both teams. It will be not easy but we have to dig deep and work hard because we have something to pay back to our fans and do well in the finals.”

Assessing FC Goa

The coach had some words of praise for the Goa side. “Goa are a very good team. They have a very good first half of the season. They were at the top of the ladder, five points clear, they picked up some injuries and then dropped a little because of that, but they bounced back. So we have to be aware of their quality. Everyone saw the game against Chennaiyin. They dominated and they were the better team in my opinion. They are a quality team.

“In both games, I was involved this season in Goa it was 0-0, and the draw at home as well. It could be a very close game. Two good teams go up against each other. We are fully aware of their quality but we also know about us and how good we are and how good we can be as well. But, we have to approach the game well from the start, that will be very important.”

Phurba added, “They are a very good team. Good attacking side. But what is most important is what we do as a team, and in Mumbai City we have a standard always to win. So the most important thing is we focus on ourselves and give our best and try to win the match as well.”

Experience working with the coach

Phurba Lachenpa when asked how his experience has been working with the coach, the keeper replied, “Coach has come and the transition is very smooth. All credit goes to him. He knows and he didn’t put much pressure on us, because of the change in the coach.

“Those transitions have been very smooth. The work rate he demands from us it’s very important because previously the work rate was not that big. His work rate is very different and he asks a lot of work rate from us, and that’s very good for us going forward.”

Vikram is back

Vikram Partap Singh is back for the Islanders, after missing out on the last match against Mohun Bagan. Petr Kratky highlighted the importance of his presence. “It is always a boost when players come in back. The players’ availability is the most important thing for a coach.

“Every player is important. He is in a mix for the selection, which is very good. He is in form, so hopefully we just keep going. But again, the whole team is important. I am happy they all coming back now and available for the finals. That’s just a positive boost for me and also more headaches for the selection part. Very happy to have him back.”

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.