Been there, done that; Experienced Climax Lawrence seeking a quick start

by Kaushal Shukla May 30, 2015

Mumbai FC have a date with destiny on the final day of the I-League season which sees the Mumbai outfit in a five way tussle to beat the drop when new comers Bharat FC pay visit to the city’s iconic football venue

On a day which promises to test some nerves, Mumbai FC will turn to their experienced players to guide them to safety, at the head of which would be veteran skipper Climax Lawrence, a player who has seen it all in his sixteen year long career.

The 36 year old believes his side need to replicate its performance against East Bengal in their last game where they scored two goals inside the first twenty minutes as a quick start by the hosts proved too much for the visitors to handle.

“We know the importance of tomorrow and we need to start well as we did in the last game against East Bengal. We scored two goals in the opening twenty minutes and we must do the same tomorrow”.

Despite being ever present in the I-League and the National Football Championship over the course of his career, Climax feels one cannot do away with pressure and hence needs to deal with it, the best way of doing it according to him is by settling quickly and scoring early which gives you the control of the match.

“The pressure will be there but we must not let it take over us, so it is important we start well and score early goals. That will help us settle into the game and play it the way we want. We mustn’t let the pressure get the better of us”.

Bharat FC come into the game knowing about their assured participation in the league next year and that according to Climax may work against his side on Saturday. “It won’t be easy at all, playing against Bharat. They know they are safe and will be playing without any pressure and that may aid their game, so we must be careful and not take them lightly”.

Speaking after his side’s practice session before the game, the former Dempo midfielder was happy with his side’s physical and mental state. “The player s are very fit and are ready for a tough game. Everyone understands the situation we are in, so we are prepared to fight hard and get a win, which will be fitting for the fans who have been brilliant this season”.

Climax who hails from Goa, a football crazy state, highlighted the importance of maintaining the football culture in the city, which will be aided by Mumbai FC’s survival in the I-League.

“Mumbai is a big city and has had great sides like Mahindra United and Air India over the years but now we are the only side in the city which plays in the I-League. It’s very important for the sake of the city and the football lovers here that we stay in the top division of Indian football”.

The city’s hopes hinges on Climax and co. to treat them with I-league football next season and with the experienced head of Climax Lawrence in Mumbai FC’s ranks such a mishap should be avoided.

Despite having not been able to contribute a lot on the field, Climax’s presence in the Mumbai FC scheme of things has been of great value to the team.

With Mumbai boasting a lot of younger players in the team, a legend like Climax is proved to be an great institution for them and if Mumbai beat Bharat to steer away from safety, Climax Lawrence is sure to have played a huge part in it.