Kolkata, March 19: Mohun Bagan Super Giant is set to play their sixth fixture of the ongoing Indian Super League against strong title contenders Mumbai City FC tomorrow at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan from 7:30 PM.
The title defense campaign started in the right direction for the Mariners, but they dropped their first points in the previous match against Bengaluru FC with a draw. However, they remain on top with 13 points. On the other side, Mumbai City FC are also on the right track. They won their previous match in Kolkata against Inter Kashi and are currently third with 11 points.
In the last meetings between these two sides, Mumbai City FC have been dominant, with Mohun Bagan SG on the back foot in this battle. The former head coach of the Islanders is now in charge of Mohun Bagan SG, which could turn things around tomorrow, and all eyes will be on it.
Alberto and Robson were seen on the sidelines for the last few sessions, but ahead of the match, they are fit and available with the rest of the squad. There are no issues in the squad, which means everyone is available for the Mariners.
On the other side, Valpuia received a red card in the previous clash, which means he will miss tomorrow’s match. Additionally, due to injury concerns, Brandon Fernandes is not available, so Peter Kratky will need to rethink his defensive and midfield plans.
Sergio Lobera showed a very ambitious mindset ahead of the clash. He feels that in the last match, his team dropped two points rather than gained one, which shows he always wants to win. For him, this game against the Islanders is massive. He knows a win for Mohun Bagan Super Giant could create a strong gap at the top, while a loss could change everything. He also made it clear that past results don’t matter, every match is different. His focus is simple, work hard, stay hungry, and go for all three points.
Kratky sounds calm and confident about his team. After the win against Inter Kashi, he believes the team has recovered well and is preparing properly for a tough match. He clearly respects Mohun Bagan SG, calling them one of the strongest teams in India, but at the same time he believes his players can compete and fight. Tactically, he made it clear that Mumbai City FC have studied their opponents and will try to exploit weaknesses. His main focus is simple, execute the plan well, compete strongly, and play good football.
With both teams aware of their own capabilities and understanding their opponents, they are ready for an intense clash tomorrow. There are several former Mumbai City FC members in Mohun Bagan, such as Apuia and Mehtab Singh, including the head coach. Meanwhile, Mumbai City FC have players like Johnny Kauko and Nuno Reis, who were part of Mohun Bagan SG’s winning team. With such a mixed connection on both sides, this battle will decide who stands tall tomorrow.
Coaches View:
Lobera calls for sharpness, flexibility, and better finishing in decisive clash!
Lobera Said –
“They are a good team in general, not only in attacking positions, I think they have a good balance, and we need to be there for that.The plan A and plan B need to be there, for tomorrow’s game, as always, and the most important thing, we need to continue generating chances, and to be more clinical with the chances to get the points we want”.
Kratky with respect backs his team to compete in tough test!
Kratky Said –
“They are very strong and one of the best teams in India, everyone knows that. Our goal is to compete, to fight as we do every game this season and believe in ourselves. We can do what we want to achieve this season. We know who they are, they are a very strong team and it will be a very difficult game for us. But I believe the team is preparing very well for the game tomorrow.”
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