There is hunger in each season that we want to be champion, says Mumbai City coach Petr Kratky

Both Petr Kratky and Mehtab Singh acknowledged Odisha FC to be one the best teams of ISL.

Mumbai City FC stands on the precipice of glory, poised to claim their second consecutive ISL League Winners’ Shield. However, their path isn’t without obstacles. Two crucial matches loom, a home tie against Odisha FC and a tense away clash with Mohun Bagan.

Despite the upcoming challenges, Mumbai City boasts an impressive season record. Their unwavering momentum will be key as they face Sergio Lobera’s Odisha outfit. A victory here would solidify their lead and put them in a commanding position to clinch the coveted shield. This upcoming fixture will be a true test of Mumbai City’s resilience.

With that let’s take a look at what head coach Petr Kratky and defender Mehtab Singh had to say in the pre-match press conference.

Approach to the game

Petr Kratky’s robust approach fuels hope for success against Odisha FC this season. The coach said, “Every game now is a big game. We are approaching the game the same way. Prepare well, train well. Our process remains the same regardless of who we play. We just want to do our best and be ready for the game.”

Mehtab added, “There is planning for our approach. Our coach lets us know about their strikers and how to mark them. Which things are they good at and which are weak, so we prepare ourselves with these things and are focused.”

Thoughts on Odisha FC

The Kalinga Warriors are one of the finest teams in the ISL. Mehtab Singh acknowledged the same. “They are a good team. They have good foreigners and the Indian players are also doing good in the team. It’s an important match for us.”

Petr Kratky compounded, “Odisha in India is one of the best teams. We know how they play, we have seen them multiple times, and they are a quality team. They have good players and a good coach, so we just have to be ready. The last two games are the most difficult ones. The two top teams, top three on the ladder, very exciting time for us. This is the challenge that we want and we embrace it.”

Hunger to win

Mehtab Singh pointed out the hunger each of the Islanders’ players have to win the ISL shield. He said, “There is hunger in each season that we want to be champion, we want to win the shield. Some players have won the shield, whereas some haven’t. But the hunger is equal among all.”

Team news

The coach also shared some team news. “We had a little bit of setbacks before Hyderabad, now players have come back, and everyone is training. Headache is for me, but I am happy for the team because we are in full strength”, he said.

Return of the former teammates

Several former Mumbai City FC players will be returning to the MFA, especially Ahmed Jahouh and Mourtada Fall. When asked how does that feel, the tactician replied, “It’s excitement. Always when you play your old team, your old club, you get extra motivation. That’s part of football. The players come and go, that’s normal. Just enjoy the occasion. There is no pressure.”

On Thaer Krouma

Mehtab Singh also shared his experience with his defensive partner Thaer Krouma. The centre half expressed, “It feels good. We have played some matches together. He is a good player. Since he is new, so we are building that combination. There are things that we both mutually understand and I enjoy a lot playing with him.”

Goal against Hyderabad

The Islanders’ defender was also on the scoresheet against Hyderabad, and when questioned how he felt, he replied with humor, “It was a good feeling (to score a goal). I scored earlier but it was disallowed (laughs). There was a motivation to score a goal from the start of the season, and that’s why it was a good feeling.”

On new player Jakub Vojtuš

Petr Kratky also expressed his thoughts on new signing Jakub Vojtuš and feels that he needs time to adapt to the team. “He is new, he is adapting. He is a hardworking person. He is a very good person, which is very important. We have to allow him a little bit of time to adapt and fit in the team.”

How has AFC competitions helped the team?

The Islanders also participated in the AFC Champions League earlier this season under the guidance of former head coach Des Buckingham but were knocked out in the group stage itself. When asked how the international exposure helped the team, Kratky highlighted, 

“AFC Competition is always good for anyone who plays that. Players get experience outside of India, What does it look like? Different players, different coaches, different countries. So, ISL is the competition and it’s a good competition, but the exposure outside is the best.”

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