We took our chance and then we defended like lions-Alexandre Guimaraes

The Mumbai boss spoke after his team triumphed over NorthEast United…

Mumbai City FC continued their winning start to the Indian Super League season after beating NorthEast United FC 1-0 at the Mumbai Football Arena yesterday. Speaking to the media after the match Head Coach Alexandre Guimaraes was understandably pleased with his side’s second successive win that saw them maintain their perfect start in the campaign. When asked whether his team were a bit lucky to win on the night Guimaraes said, “I think that speaks really well of our performance because as you play more matches you get more wins. For them, it was the third game while it was the second for us. It was the first time here that we practised in our home. We had to be patient, it was that kind of game. We took our chance and then we defended like lions.” Diego Forlan was once again the difference-maker as the forward first played a key role in earning a penalty and then converted from the spot to give his side the win. Reflecting on the Uruguayan’s performance the manager said, “Again I think he played a very good game, other players also tried to find him much more and that is normal as he plays more, everybody will know his movements better and he has played two games and has an assist and a goal.” The Mumbai side still do not have the full complement of players at their disposal. Sunil Chhetri and Amrinder Singh are away on AFC Cup duty with Bengaluru FC, Haiti international Sony Norde is on internal duty while forward Gaston Sangoy is still injured. When asked whether he was having to adopt a more conservative style of play due to the absentees the former Costa Rica boss said that the club’s long preseason in Dubai had helped him train the team in different formations and ways of playing. “Two games, two victories, it is like a very good start…We believe in the work we did in the pre- season and are doing currently, so these results are just a reflection on our hard work. But if the players do not believe in themselves, then you cannot achieve. My players are showing good character and determination to win. Sometimes we play good, sometimes we play bad but this fighting spirit always makes you achieve something.” MCFC have now kept two clean sheets in two games which represents a significant improvement for a side that had consistently shipped goals in the previous two editions of the competition. Speaking about his side’s newfound solidity at the back Guimaraes said, “Yes, it is important. We started to work on that in the preseason to be defensive solid. For all the players to contribute in defense. Also, we have shown very good physical stamina to play in this way.” Photo: ISL Media [KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]