We are not dependent on just one-two players, asserts Sergio Lobera

The Islanders scored goals in each half to beat the Nizams.

Mumbai City FC secured a convincing 2-0 victory against Hyderabad FC to continue at the top spot of the standings. Manuel Marquez’s men were persistent throughout the game but couldn’t find a breakthrough. This was one of the more comprehensive performances from Mumbai and head coach Sergio Lobera echoed the same in the post-match press conference. 

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Thoughts on the victory

The Islanders headed into this game after a frustrating draw against the 10-men Jamshedpur FC. Lobera had spoken about his side’s inability to convert several goal-scoring opportunities after that encounter. 

This time around, he was much more content with the outing. “I am very happy because we improve a lot compared with last game, about create chances, about finish situations. But, I am very happy because the performance of my team today was very good,” the tactician reflected on the game. 

Update on Hugo Boumous injury

Hugo Boumous was named in the starting XI after missing the last game against the Men of Steel. However, he seemed to have suffered a knock ahead of the match and was replaced by Cy Goddard in the lineup. Talking about that, Lobera revealed, “Boumous recovered his injury but we spoke with the medical staff and we decided it’s possible to play approximately 60 minutes. But, he feels some problem during the warmup and I think it’s important to avoid the risk and we decided to change the player before the game.”

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Does Boumous’ absence make the win more special? 

The team had looked a bit weakened as they missed Boumous’ ingenuity in the previous game. However, they were much more assertive in this match and created multiple chances even in the absence of the French-Moroccan. Lobera was probed whether that facet made this win even more crucial. True to his diplomatic nature, the 43-year-old said, “No, I think we have a very good squad, not depend on only one player. I think all players are working very well, players in the first XI, players from the bench. I think we don’t depend on one-two players. The most important thing is the squad and I am very happy with the performance today.”

Reaction to Vignesh Dakshinamurthy’s goal

Vignesh Dakshinamurthy had found playing time hard to come by in the last season. However, he has stepped up to the occasion in this campaign and is growing with confidence with each game. He combined with Bipin Singh to score a fantastic goal from a tight angle in the 38th minute this evening. “I am very happy. I am very happy with Vignesh. He is playing very well and this goal is good for him. We need to continue working the same…Vignesh and all the players,” Sergio Lobera responded to Dakshinamurthy’s goal. 

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On Hyderabad FC’s performance

The head coach was all praise for the Nizams in the pre-match press conference. He applauded their domestic players for proving their mettle in challenging circumstances. Lobera had good words to say about Marquez too and claimed to relish watching the team play.

Asked to comment on the opponent’s performance in this match, the Spaniard said, “I think we managed the situation very good during the game. We knew they are a team very comfortable with the ball and we need to try to win the possession of the ball. Today was very important in this aspect and we have the ball, we have the possession, we create chances and we managed a very good game against a very good team.”

Long break between fixtures at the right time? 

Mumbai City FC have their next game 12 days later against Kerala Blasters on January 2. The head coach was enquired whether the interval will make the team nervous of the other sides catching up to them in the points table. He brushed that aside and instead asserted on making good use of the time to further enhance the team’s preparations. 

“No, good time to continue working to improve our level. I think it’s good for us, 12 days to give the opportunity to work more during the training, to improve our level and style of play. I think it’s a good time to continue improving,” Sergio Lobera signed off.

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