Sergio Lobera claims Amrinder Singh is the best goalkeeper in India

The tactician also praised his team's defensive performance in the victory over Kerala Blasters.

Mumbai City FC came from behind to secure a thumping 2-1victory against Kibu Vicuna’s Kerala Blasters in the Indian Super League on Wednesday. Vicente Gomez scored from a corner to attain a crucial lead in the first half. However, Mumbai carried out waves of attacks and found a breakthrough via Bipin Singh’s strike in the 46th minute. Adam le Fondre, who missed several goalscoring opportunities earlier, converted from the spot in the 67th minute and sealed the game for Mumbai. Following the victory, head coach Sergio Lobera spoke at the post-march press conference.

Thoughts on result

The head coach didn’t seem pleased with Mumbai’s performances in the last few games. The Islanders' 11-game unbeaten streak came to an end in the last game against NorthEast United. They responded strongly against Kerala and showed tremendous character to bag the crucial three points.

“I am very happy. Because it’s not easy after long period not losing games, the reaction of the team today was amazing," Sergio Lobera began.

"I am very proud of the attitude, the character of my team. It’s not easy to lose one game and react in this way. It’s not easy, had a lot of chances at the beginning of the game, not score one goal, concede one goal and the reaction in the second half for me is amazing.

"About my players, I am very happy because it’s a very important win for us and three very important points,” he continued.

Team’s defensive performance

Mumbai have conceded the least number of goals (8) so far this season. The team’s defence has been brilliantly led by Mourtada Fall and skipper Amrinder Singh has been solid between the sticks. They similarly dealt with waves of pressure from the Blasters and came out triumphant.  

“I think during all the season, we are working well in defence. I think our players need to know and they can show this situation," Sergio Lobera opined.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3SG0260R28

"Sometimes, it’s not possible to dominate the game during 90 minutes. In this situation, we need to defend well and I think all teams work a lot, especially in the last part of the game. Not only our defensive line, also our attacking players trying to press the opponent team. It’s not possible to cross easy, because we know they are dangerous team in this action, crossing and finish in the box. I am happy with the performance of the team in defence,” he explained.

Half-time Talk

Mumbai came out all guns blazing in the second half as they levelled the score through Bipin Singh. They kept on pushing Kerala and managed to eke out three points. Sergio Lobera claimed that he instilled a lot of confidence in the boys and didn’t talk much about the result during the break. He also insisted that this approach often works with players, especially considering that they had their moments of brilliance in the first half.

“It’s very important sometimes to give confidence to players, not only thinking about the result. We made a lot of things well during the first half. At half-time, I told my players we need to be careful with the smaller things. But, I am very happy with the performance in the first half," he remarked.

"We need to continue working in the same way with the things we made well. We need to improve in the smaller things - in defensive balance, in set-piece actions. But, I think the most important thing is to give them the confidence, to increase the motivation of the players and not only put our focus in the result,” the tactician asserted.

Scuffle between two teams

Players from both sides seemed to have gotten into an argument as they headed into the tunnel at half-time. Some senior Kerala players were then spotted discussing the issue outside the locker room later on. Midfielder Vicente Gomez was one of the individuals.  

Addressing that incident, Lobera revealed, “He’s my friend. Vicente played under me in Las Palmas in second division during two seasons. There are some confusions about the words but we are friends. Sometimes, these situations happen but nothing special. The most important thing is at the end of the game we spoke and there aren’t any problems between us.”

Jackichand Singh’s late substitution

Jackichand Singh was warming up early on in the second half, but he was introduced in the game only in the 85th minute. Speaking about the winger’s delayed substitution, the 44-year-old quipped, “We have some player with some problems, especially one player. I want to keep ready Jacki. It’s necessary to do the substitution and this is the reason. Finally, this player with problem is possible to continue playing and I decided to do the substitution in the last part of the game.”

Suspensions Galore

Ahmed Jahouh was absent against Kerala Blasters owing to a suspension. Mumbai have multiple players on the verge of sitting out in the upcoming games as they have collected multiple yellow cards so far. Lobera admitted that this is a cause of concern for him.

“The players know the situation. It’s very important. We are in the most important period of the season. There are a lot of teams in play and it’s very important to have all players for every game. We are not losing any player for the next game and I think it’s good news for us,” the tactician stated.

Amrinder Singh's performance

Mumbai City skipper Amrinder Singh delivered a stellar performance yet again as he registered nine saves to be adjudged the Hero of the Match.

“With all my respects, for me, Amrinder is the best goalkeeper in India. He’s a very good goalkeeper," Sergio Lobera said. "He got us points and also the rest of the team. I don’t like to speak about individuals but in this case, I think Amrinder and it’s not only about today’s performance. It’s about the performance during all the season,” the Spaniard conlcuded.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Twitter, Instagram and join our community on Telegram.