Des Buckingham lauds Bheke, Mehtab following draw against NEUFC

The Islanders failed to get back to winning ways as they had to settle for a draw.

Mumbai City FC seemed to miss Mourtada Fall's towering presence as they failed to beat NorthEast United, drawing 3-3 on Monday in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2021/22. Deshorn Brown was the hero, as he scored a hat-trick for the Highlanders, to cancel out a brace from Igor Angulo and a goal by Bipin Singh for the Islanders.

Mumbai City's coach Des Buckingham was displeased at his side's defensive frailties as he conveyed his thoughts on the draw in the post-match conference: 

Whether the game was one of the most physically demanding fixtures so far

Des Buckingham was quite surprised at how his team gave up their concrete two-goal lead. He reiterated the need to be able to defend a lead.

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“Like you said, it was our first draw. I thought we controlled the game for large periods. But, what they did is they hit us in the transitional moments. I feel the first goal, (laughs) was at least five yards offside. Then we needed to defend better for the second too. So, yes we want to play a certain way and they have demands both physically and otherwise. But, when we attack we also need to make sure that we are setup (well) defensively,” commented the English coach.

Whether conceding three goals in two consecutive matches is a bother

Mumbai City played out a 3-3 draw after losing out 3-0 to Kerala Blasters in their previous fixture. While they remain the highest-scoring team in the ISL with 20 goals scored so far, they seem to retain their defensive worries. Des Buckingham explained where exactly he feels they might be lacking.

“I didn't think of an idea where we wouldn't concede any (goals). That's not football. The way we play and the way we want to play is expansive. We create width and we create length and it does put the ball at risk sometimes. But, we're willing to put the ball at risk if we defensively setup (well) when we have those moments,” responded the head coach.

Whether Mourtada Fall's absence was felt

Mumbai have conceded four times since Mourtada Fall went off the pitch in their last match against Kerala Blasters. As one of the key figures in the squad and a defensive stalwart, his absence saw Mumbais' defence turn shaky. Buckingham acknowledge that they missed their captain, but felt that his players had to compensate.

“Yes, I think you miss someone of Fall's quality, but I think Rahul (Bheke) and Mehtab (Singh) played very well. You know, Mehtab hasn't played any football at all so far this season. So to step in, I thought he'd done well. Then (Ygor) Catatau on the right-hand side for us. A little tired towards the end, but he's only been coming off the bench. So, I got a chance to start him with Fall not playing, ” Des Buckingham asserted.

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On Deshorn Brown's performance

Mumbai City were put to the sword as Deshorn Brown punished their defensive lapses with a hat-trick. Buckingham appreciated the forward's quality, but was quick to turn attention to the fact that his team need to stay focused.

"Yes, congratulations to him. You know, for a player to score a hat-trick in any game is very good. I think it was three chances he had and he scored all three. That's a sign of a good striker. So, well done to him. But again, now it's all about reflection for us and making sure we get ready for the next one," concluded the coach.

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