We've to keep players positive and motivated, says Petr Kratky

Mumbai City FC boss Petr Kratky also revealed the side’s key to success.

As Mumbai City FC prepares to face FC Goa in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 semi-final tomorrow April 24 and April 29, Head Coach Petr Kratky emphasizes the importance of rebuilding team morale following a challenging season.

After falling short in the championship-winning match against Mohun Bagan Super Giant (2-1), Kratky underscores the need for constant communication and positivity within the team to achieve success in the upcoming fixtures.

“The mental side of the game is the most important for me,” says Kratky. “We have to keep the players positive and motivated, maintain good relationships, and ensure honest communication.” Kratky said during a discussion with the league.

What was Mumbai City FC’s key to success?

Interestingly, Mumbai City FC were not the only favourites to finish in the top-two in the points table at the time of the mid-season break in January, with heavy competition from the likes of Odisha FC, FC Goa, and Mohun Bagan Super Giant back then. Further, they exited the Super Cup in the semi-finals and lost three key international players, i.e. Greg Stewart, Abdenasser El Khayati, and Rostyn Griffiths, in the winter transfer window. In their first game after the aforementioned break, the Islanders slipped away three goals in the second half to lose 3-2 to Jamshedpur FC at home after going 2-0 up in the first half.

“The factors for our success have been that we get together, we bond well, we keep a positive outlook. There were a few setbacks after the New Year’s for the team, but we got through it well. This was a very important part of our success, to stick together and help each other, make sure that our processes were right for the group. That was the main reason for the success,” Kratky said.

He added, “No coach in the world wants to lose important players mid-season. But, these things happen. I was disappointed because the players left, because I want consistency. But, it’s what it is. You have to work with players who are here. They are important for us, and just to stay positive and keep working.”

“Experienced players make my job easier”

Mumbai City FC have had a host of seasoned players rise to the occasion to deliver required outputs at different parts of the season. Lallianzuala Chhangte has netted seven times and notched six assists so far this season, and he ended up scoring and assisting once each in their victory in the all-important clash against Odisha FC at home earlier this month.

Similarly, Jorge Pereyra Diaz has built up on his cracking campaign last time around to find the back of the net eight times in 15 appearances this season. Alberto Noguera has played only in the last two months owing to an injury keeping him out of action for the first-half of the season. However, he has recorded a passing accuracy of 79.3% for passes ending in the final third, the third highest among all players in the ISL to have attempted at least 50 such passes. Needless to say, Kratky is grateful for having such experienced players gracing his ranks.

“As a coach you always want players with experience and who know how to deal with different situations. This team is really strong in that case. We have eight-nine players who play for the national team, so they travel a lot, and now they are exposed to the Champions League. This exposure just makes you a better footballer and a better person. You appreciate what you have and also you know what it takes to be on the top,” Kratky said.

Reflecting on the steps that the tactician had to take to develop an instant rapport with the squad, Kratky mentioned that he took conscious efforts to get to know his players on a personal level. Apparently, forming a rooted connection with the Mumbai City FC personnel has been critical in helping him yield the best results from his players over the last few months.

“The most important was knowing the people, staff, and players on a personal level. It’s important to understand what they want to achieve, what drives them to play football, and what’s their knowledge. The hardest part in transition was to know the people, to make everyone know how our system works and to begin implementing the way we wanted to play.”

The two legs of the Mumbai City FC vs FC Goa semi-final will take place on April 24 and April 29 respectively. Whilst FC Goa will host the first match, the Islanders will welcome the Gaurs for the decisive leg that will determine which one of them makes it to the ISL 2023-24 grand finale.

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