Jorge Costa delighted with team chemistry, David James unhappy with referring

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Both tacticians had very different takes on the game.

Mumbai City FC produced a stunning performance as the Islanders scored six times against Kerala Blasters. Modou Sougou led the onslaught by scoring four goals past Kerala's defence. Rafael Bastos and Matias Mirabaje too scored a goal each.  

The only positive for Kerala in the entire game was Doungel's goal in 27th minute. The win puts Mumbai City in second position in the table with 24 points, while Kerala Blasters are at the ninth position with a mere nine points.

 

 

 

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Watch: Mumbai City FC 6-1 Kerala Blasters highlights

In the post-match press conference both the coaches shared their takes on Sunday's game. Mumbai's gaffer obviously seemed very positive and happy with his side's performance, while Kerala's coach David James was clearly unhappy with referees.

When questioned about how happy he was with the performance Jorge Costa replied, "I am very happy, We got three points. Actually, before the game, we were very focused on this game because it was the last game before players going home for the break and we had a job to do and we did it. We now stand to go home, rest a little bit and we will be back stronger."

"We will see, we are working, I am happy with all the players, but It is not easy we are working on this," Costa replied on any positions he wants to focus on during the break.

When questioned about what he feels about Sougou's four goals he said, "I thought we had a wonderful game. The entire team had a wonderful game and we play as a team. He alone would not have scored four goals. He scored four goals because the entire team worked hard."

"Nothing special. For me, when I arrived here we needed time to adapt to this new reality, We were the last team to start working. At the beginning it was difficult, but now we know all the teams and we are in a much better position," the coach replied on being asked what he has changed to make Mumbai such a strong side. 

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The Kerala coach criticised the poor refereeing decisions, which he considered were the reason behind such a lopsided scoreline.

"I am trying to work out rules about the offside because the first goal was offside. The referee allowed him to continue and he ended up scoring the goal. Then in the second half it was tough to take. It was 3-1 and we had a clear penalty and we had a play on," James said.

"I don't know how these things affect the game, but there were some wonderful goals by them. When decisions are going your way you get confident. It was tough to take that," he added.

"In the second half with 10 men, we played like 12. It was a tremendous performance. We had some clear chances and decisions too didn't go our way. The had some kind of pressure from us in the second half and we played amazing football," James replied when questioned about the positives from this game.

"6-1 scoreline wasn't what Kerala Blasters are known for. This was not a very spirited performance. When too many decisions are going against you it is going to be advantageous to the opponent."

"First goal offside, a penalty in the second half denied. Yes, there were some wonderful strikes from them, but we played brilliantly in the second half," the Blasters' gaffer answered when asked if it was Kerala's worst-ever performance.

When questioned about what he feels about the overall refereeing in the league the Englishman said, "I go back to the point where individuals are allowed to make mistakes and that's fine. Its tough to take when it is against your team."

"I have to say it was shades of Goa Vs NorthEast yesterday, fine line game and an offside goal and a penalty not given, so it can result in someone's defeat. We are on a learning curve. We've got a young goalkeeper who has conceded six and in my experience, it happens and we have to learn from it."