Khalid Jamil seeking top performance in a ‘do or die’ game

by Kaushal Shukla April 2, 2015

Mumbai FC came out unstuck in their last game away to Salgaocar when they were at the wrong end of a 3-1 result which ended Mumbai FC’s six game unbeaten run and extended their winless streak to three games.

Head coach Khalid Jamil has branded his side’s clash with Shillong Lajong at Cooperage on Friday as a ‘do or die’ battle as he feels this game could make or break Mumbai FC’s season.

“The game against Shillong is very important. We haven’t won since a long time and that makes tomorrow’s game with Shillong Lajong a do or die game for us”.

Khalid Jamil wasn’t too impressed with his side’s performance in the last game against Salgaocar and has stressed his side must give their 100% in tomorrow’s game. “Our performance in the last game wasn’t really good, but we need to forget about what happened at Salgaocar and focus on tomorrow’s game. We need to be on top of our game tomorrow and everyone must give their hundred percent”.

The Mumbai FC Head Coach is likely to miss the services of the former Shillong Lajong player Taisuke Matsugae who suffered a calf injury in Mumbai FC’s last game. “Taisuke has a problem, he injured his calf against Salgaocar and I don’t want to risk him. Jayesh Rane is also out, he returned from national duty with a knock and has been playing continuously”.

But the Khalid Jamil will be able to welcome back Sampath Kutty Mani into the side after he returned from suspension. “Sampath is back for us in midfield and I can also confirm that Nidhin Lal will be playing tomorrow”.

Jamil wants his side to be wary of the threat posed by Shilloong Lajong and not take them lightly. “We need to be on top in all the departments. We need to show the desire on the field and win all the 50-50 balls as they have some players, especially their foreign contingent like Cornell Glenn who could hurt us and we can’t take them lightly”.

Khalid Jamil has outlined this clash with Shillong Lajong and expects his side to rise to the occasion in their own backyard. Talking of his troops, they have rarely missed a trick at Cooperage and look set to continue their good work in front of their own fans with their manager being clearer than ever about what he wants from them when Shillong Lajong come calling.