Mumbai City FC looks set to continue last season magic
Mumbai City FC have an advantage among most ISL Clubs & that is their coach Alexandre Guimaraes – who alongside Roca & Coppell, is the only coach to have a 2nd stint
The Costa Rican coach guided Mumbai City FC to their best finish last season when he took them to the semi-finals. With a little bit of discipline, they could have even made it to the final but lost against eventual champions ATK. Mumbai City had a fantastic record in the last edition. They topped the table during the league stage and conceded just 11 goals last season, three of which came in the disastrous semi-final clash against ATK. No surprise Mumbai City reposed their faith in Guimaraes again as they look to do better than last season.
“Continuity is the key. Moreover, there is a fantastic relationship between myself and the Mumbai City FC board. They know me, they know the plans that I have been proposing in pre-season this time around and, most importantly, given last season performance, there is a trust,” said Guimaraes.
Not just with the man in charge, Mumbai City have shown faith in the men who took them to the semi-final last year as well. Goalkeeper Amrinder Singh has been retained, while Lucian Goian and Gerson Veira will continue to provide defensive solidity. In midfield, Leo Costa and Sehnaj Singh have got the vote of confidence from their coach, making them one of the definite contenders for the title.
Also Read: Steven Dias to head newly launched KSA-Ambitious Football Academy in mumbai
“I think that this year, we are more balanced in different positions than last season. Maintaining a balance was one of our key objectives at the draft and we’re pleased to have achieved that, along with a host of great foreign signings. And for me, I believe that our balance will be our biggest strength in the season ahead,” said the Mumbai City coach. Like the coach said, balance is the key word for Mumbai City. In the goalkeeping department for example, they have enough firepower if you count Amrinder Singh and Arindam Bhattacharya among the best in business in India. Even Kunal Sawant, their third goalkeeper, has been around for a while and proved himself.
In defence, Lucian Goian and Gerson Veira combined so effectively last season that rival teams found it difficult to break through. They will be at the heart of Mumbai’s efforts to keep clean sheets again, while Achille Emana, who was once on the shopping list of French giants Olympique de Marseille and Lyon, can provide the cutting edge.
“Our pre-season was extremely fruitful. Like I mentioned, the continuity helps – with the players and with the staff as well. We faced some quality opposition in friendlies. The conditions were good and the facilities were top-notch. The players are satisfied and well prepared and our choice of conducting our pre-season camp in Spain has definitely worked,” said Guimaraes.
When Mumbai City start their campaign at Bengaluru FC on Sunday, we will know whether they will set the pace again like last season. With Guimaraes in charge, you cannot rule that out.
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for more updates on Indian Football
I-League 2: MH Oranje FC flares an important 3-0 victory over Sporting Goa in an crucial encounter
Maharashtra Oranje FC returned to winning ways with a 3-0 win over Sporting Goa to lift themselves to 7th spot in the I-League 2 table In a high-stakes I-League 2…
Roundup: Chennaiyin FC win against KBFC as RFYC, Bengaluru FC play gripping draw in RFDL National Group Stage in Mumbai
Mumbai, April 16: Bengaluru FC and Reliance Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) played out a goalless draw at the Reliance Corporate Park (RCP) in Navi Mumbai in the National Group Stage…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
Millat FC win 5-2 to stay in title race, Hope United enters top 3 in the league table
Title contenders Millat FC kept their unbeaten run on with cruising 5-2 win over Kalina Rangers, Hope United picked up a come from behind win. Millat FC rode on Duane…
ISL 2023-24 Knockout 1 Preview: Playoffs fever grips the ISL as Odisha FC host Kerala Blasters FC with a semi-final spot at stake
Bhubaneswar, April 18: Odisha FC and Kerala Blasters FC will face each other in the first match of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs at the Kalinga Stadium in…
Kerala Blasters FC bag winning momentum before playoffs with solid 3-1 win against Hyderabad FC
Hyderabad, April 12: Kerala Blasters FC ensured that they will enter the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs with a win at their back after defeating Hyderabad FC by 3-1…
Mohun Bagan Super Giant crowned ISL Champions 2023-24 after 2-1 win in title-winning clash against Mumbai City FC
Kolkata, April 15: Mohun Bagan Super Giant became the Indian Super League (ISL) Champions by defeating Mumbai City FC by 2-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata tonight. The…
Attacking talents flourish, defensive stability define league’s best: ISL 2023-24 Statistical Breakdown
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 league stages rounded off with Mohun Bagan Super Giant becoming the League Champions for the first time in the history of the competition. They…
Ivan Vukomanovic: Seeing Kerala Blasters FC players shine for the national team gives me great satisfaction
Kerala Blasters FC head coach Ivan Vukomanovic is into his third season in the Indian Super League (ISL) and he has naturally overseen the rise of multiple young players who…
NorthEast United FC end their campaign on a high with feisty 3-0 victory over Odisha FC
Guwahati, April 13: NorthEast United FC bowed out of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 on a high with a resounding 3-0 victory against Odisha FC at the Indira Gandhi…
ISL 2023-24 Knockout 2 Preview – Playoff Fever: FC Goa Hosts Chennaiyin FC in High-Stakes Knockout Battle
Goa, April 19: The Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 playoffs reach a fever pitch as FC Goa prepares to host Chennaiyin FC in a high-stakes knockout clash at the iconic…
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.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…