We must maintain our rhythm: Sushil Kumar Singh

by Kaushal Shukla February 14, 2016

Mumbai FC were back on track after the surprise defeat at the hands of DSK Shivajians with a solid performance in a 0-0 draw with defending champions Mohun Bagan. Despite missing the services of talismanic midfielder and skipper, Taisuke Matsugae, The Yellow Submarine were able to go toe to toe with the Champions.

Speaking to the Mumbai FC media team, ahead of the crucial away game against Sporting Clube de Goa, the club’s new signing, Sushil Kumar Singh gave his thoughts about his first month at the club, the team’s form and the season ahead.

Here are the Excerpts

Sushil, you seemed to have settled really quickly into the side. How has your first month been at Mumbai FC?

SKS: It was a little tough at the start as I was resting after the ISL when I had the chance to come here. But the first month has been really good. I knew a few players like Steven Dias, N.P. Pradeep and Arata Izumi before and I think that helped me settle quickly in the team.

Your first goal came in just your third game. How important was getting off the mark early on the season?

SKS: For me it was very important that I scored that goal against Salgaocar because that game was very important for us to push up the table. I’m glad my goal helped us get the win in that game. Since then I feel we are playing in a rhythm. Even in the match against DSK Shivajians that we lost, we played well. So I feel it is necessary to main the rhythm in our play against Sporting Clube de Goa.

Since the time you last played in Mumbai for Mahindra United, what has changed in the football over here?

SKS: I don’t think the I-League has changed a lot in the last decade. Of course Mumbai FC’s team is a lot different now and also a lot stronger. The only area where I see a vast difference in the fans. Earlier there were very few fans of Mumbai FC, but now so many fans come to support us and that really helps us. The atmosphere at Cooperage has changed a lot in last few years.

What prompted you to join Mumbai FC at the start of the season?

SKS: I had a few options in my mind, but when I looked at Mumbai FC, I thought this was a very good team and there were many experienced players in the side. So when the coach called me and asked if I was interested and I decided to join.

You have formed a really good partnership with Kozawa. How do you find Kozawa as a player?

SKS: Kozawa is a team player. He works very hard in games and that’s always something you want in the team. Japanese players always work very hard and Taisuke, Kozawa and Arata are very hardworking. Their efforts add a lot to the team. Kozawa is a clever player and it is really easy playing with him.

You have been in this league for quite some time now. Do you think Mumbai FC can win the league?

SKS: Yes, of course, why not? The mentality of this team is very strong. We showed that when we beat Bengaluru FC and even when we drew with Mohun Bagan. We showed that we can fight with the very best in the league. If these teams can win the league, so can we.