We must maintain our rhythm: Sushil Kumar Singh
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.
MFA’s Nadkarni Cup 2024 kicks off on November 4 with 21 teams competing
The Nadkarni Cup, one of Mumbai’s most cherished football tournaments, is back for its 2024 edition, starting November 4 at the Neville D’Souza Ground in Bandra. Organized annually by the…
MH Oranje FC Reclaims Form with a Gritty Win Over ICL Mumbai in the MPL
After a rocky start to their Mumbai Premier League campaign, MH Oranje FC finally returned to form, clinching their first three points with a gritty win over ICL Mumbai. This…
Mumbai City FC Outlasts Kerala Blasters in Six-Goal Thriller at the Arena
In an electrifying encounter at the Mumbai Football Arena, Mumbai City FC clinched a thrilling 4-2 victory over Kerala Blasters. The high-stakes duel saw Nikolaos Karelis net a brace, while…
Nine Venues, One Final Destination: Santosh Trophy 2024 to kicks off November 15th across India
With Hyderabad set to host the much-anticipated final rounds of the 78th National Football Championship, the journey toward the trophy is about to begin across Eight cities nationwide. As each…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJ-GMSC dominates with a 4-2 win over D.K. Flag Foundation in Mumbai Premier League
In a thrilling encounter, MYJ-GMSC secured a commanding 4-2 victory over D.K. Flag Foundation, showcasing their offensive prowess and seizing control of the game with standout performances. MYJ-GMSC began with…
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.
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.