I want more people to come and support us: Taisuke Matsugae

Mumbai FC’s new midfield maestro Taisuke Matsugae has been in fine form of late and has been a shining light in their campaign so far. Bought in from Shillong Lajong Taisuke has seamlessly gelled into life at Cooperage.
We had an exclusive interview with the Mumbai FC midfielder ahead of his side’s game against Royal Wahingdoh and he portrayed a focused and a humble man striving to do his bit for his side.
Last week’s win was huge boost in confidence for everyone at Mumbai FC and Taisuke feels the win has brought a smile on the team’s face. “Everyone is happy. We won a match after a long time and it felt good. We are a happy bunch now”.
Mumbai FC have managed to gather four vital points at home. The Cooperage stadium, which saw top flight football return after a gap of five years, has had good crowd in the first two games. But Taisuke feels more people should come and support his side and fill up the empty seats in the stadium.
“This is my first season here, so I don’t know what the scenario was here before. But many a times I see that some seats are empty. I want more and more people to come and support us and fill the stadium”.
Taisuke was critical about his own performances this season, especially his last one against Salgaocar. “My last performance was not so good. In the first half, I misplaced four passes which is not good”.
It’s this critic in him that helps the Japanese stay grounded, helping him grow as a player.
Taisuke Matsugae will be facing familiar foes on Friday when Mumbai FC play Royal Wahingdoh. Taisuke who was at Shillong Lajong last season has faced Royal Wahingdoh before, but feels tomorrow’s game will be completely different as Royal Wahingdoh has changed a lot since his time in Shillong.
“I have played against Royal Wahingdoh many times in the past when I was at Shillong. But now they are a totally different side with a new coach, new foreign players and new Indian players too. So it will be a lot different since I faced them during my time in Shillong”.
As Taisuke settled into life as Mumbai FC player, he is still getting used to life as a Mumbaikar. “I like Shillong and Mumbai both. About Mumbai, I like some things and some I don’t. Mumbai is a big city, so travelling for training becomes a problem sometimes due to the traffic. But the city is nice”.
Taisuke has a huge role to play in this season’s I-League especially with Climax Lawrence struggling with his fitness. Whatever Mumbai FC goes on to achieve it is clear that Taisuke will have a big part to play in that. There is no doubt whatsoever that Taisuke Matsugae is a shrewd bit of business by Khalid Jamil and one which will serve him well as the season progresses.
Maharashtra State Mens Football League
Maharashtra football set for new era with launch of Maharashtra State Men’s Football League
The footballing landscape of Maharashtra is poised for a significant transformation with the imminent launch of the Maharashtra State Men’s Football League.
Nationals / Swami Vivekananda U-20 Men's NFC
Maharashtra announces U-20 Squad for Swami Vivekananda National Football Championship 2025
WIFA has officially announced the Maharashtra U-20 Men’s Team for the upcoming Swami Vivekananda U-20 Men’s National Football Championship 2025. This marks the second edition of the prestigious tournament with…
Manolo Márquez names 28-member probables Blue Tigers squad for Kolkata camp
Blue Tigers head coach Manolo Márquez announced the 28-member probable squad on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. The squad will assemble in Kolkata on May 18 to train for the FIFA…
Blue Tigresses to play Uzbekistan in two International Friendlies
The Senior India Women’s National Team will play two FIFA Women’s International Friendly matches against Uzbekistan in the May/June 2025 International Window. The two matches against Uzbekistan will be played…
Maharashtra State Mens Football League
Early Leaders emerge as Maharashtra State Men’s Football League kicks off with a bang
The inaugural Maharashtra State League explodes into action with Mumbai teams MYJ-GM and MH Oranje setting the early pace, while Magic Made Soccer shows grit despite disciplinary woes. The inaugural…
Nationals / Swami Vivekananda U-20 Men's NFC
Maharashtra U20s start Swami Vivekananda NFC Campaign with solid win over Himachal Pradesh
Maharashtra kicked off their campaign in the 2025 Swami Vivekananda Men’s U20 National Football Championship with a confident 2-0 victory over Himachal Pradesh. The Western state displayed a composed performance,…
SSE BFC Soccer Schools Announces Open Trials for 2025-26 Season in Mumbai
SSE Soccer Schools, one of Mumbai’s longest-standing football academies, has announced open trials for its 2025-26 SSE BFC Soccer Schools program in partnership with Indian Super League club Bengaluru FC….
South United FC Announces Trials in Pune for their Residential Academy in Bangalore
South United Football Club has announced its next set of trials for its new Residential Academy, which will be held in Pune. The trials will take place at the Club’s…
Corporate Football / MFA Elite Corporate League / Trials
Bank of India announces open trial for Mumbai Corporate League Campaign
Bank of India is set to make its mark in the Mumbai Corporate League and is looking for exceptional football talent to bolster its squad. The trial is scheduled for…
India Khelo Football Workshop returns to Mumbai for its 4th Season
The Indian Khelo Football (IKF) Workshop returns to Mumbai this September, bringing with it an exceptional platform for aspiring footballers to showcase their skills and seize opportunities that could transform…
MFA / Mumbai Super League / Trials
Somaiya FC announces trials for the upcoming 2024-25 Season
Somaiya FC, having secured a commendable 5th position in the MFA Super Division last season, has announced open trials as they gear up for upcoming season. The team, known for…
VR Academy to conduct trials for 2024-25 Season
Mumbai based VR Academy has announced trials for the upcoming 2024-25 season. The club is looking for talented young players to join our esteemed academy and participate in various competitive…
MH ORANJE FC U-17 Trials for the Upcoming Season
With a proud legacy of nurturing talent and achieving excellence, Maharashtra Oranje FC has recently made waves with appearances in I-League 2, securing a remarkable runner-up position in the fiercely…
Football School of India announce trials for Young Talents
Football School of India (FSI) has announced trials for young football enthusiasts in the upcoming week of June. A golden opportunity for aspiring players to showcase their talents and potentially…
Mumbai Super League club Charkop FC to conduct open trials for upcoming Season
Calling all aspiring football stars! Charkop FC, a MFA super division club based in Charkop, Kandivali, is set to conduct Open Trials for the upcoming season. About Charkop FC: In…
Academy / Football Academy / Trials
Mumbai 42 Football Academy to conduct trials for Youth players
Newly established Mumbai 42 Football Academy will be conducting trials for young footballers in the upcoming week.