New Mumbai FC coach Santosh Kashyap aiming for top three finish

by Siddharth Yadav January 5, 2017

3rd January: With the new Hero I-League season soon upon us in a few days time, Mumbai FC held their first press conference of the season at their fortress Cooperage Stadium on Wednesday afternoon to address the media and their faithful. Newly appointed manager Santosh Kashyap took the centre stage for the majority of the time and discussed regarding Yellow Submarines’ objectives, new squad, new captain, and new approach.

After finishing at a respectable fifth position in I-League last season, Mumbai FC appointed former Mahindra United and former Indian International Santosh Kashyap who took the charge from current Aizawl FC’s gaffer Khalid Jamil.

When asked about Mumbai FC’s objectives, Santosh Kashyap seemed positive and replied: “We want to finish in the top three this season. There are challenges to overcome with new settings. We will concentrate and achieve our objective.”

The Delhi-born former attacking player also shed lights on Mumbai FC’s new approach when he promised the club will be playing attacking and beautiful football.“You will see attacking and attractive football from Mumbai FC. Six years the team has played in one style (under former coach Khalid Jamil). The players have to now adapt to my style of play which will be attacking and effective. We will go for wins in all matches,”

Steven Dias who has been named as the new Captain of Mumbai FC following Taisuke Matsugae’s departure seems to receive some tips from his new coach regarding set-pieces.

“I have given him some tips and you will see how dangerous Steven Dias is in dead-ball situations. We have also introduced GPS system to monitor the players’ fitness,” Santosh Kashyap said.

After the departure of key players, a tough task awaits for The Yellow Submarines ahead of the new I-league season. It will be quite intriguing to see how Santosh Kashyap can guide this young and energetic side to new heights.

The Squad:

1) Hitesh Sharma – Midfileder
2) Clyde Fernandes – Defender
3) Karan Sawhney – Forward
4) Chinta Chandrashekhar – Defender
5) Nikhil Kadam – Midfileder
6) Siam Hangal – – Midfileder
7) Shalum Pires – Defender
8) Pratesh Shirodkar – Midfileder
9) Lalchhawnkima –
10) Victorino Fernandes – Forward
11) Shilton Fernandes – Midfileder
12) Allan Dias – Defender
13) Faruk Chaudhary – Forward
14) Laxmikant Kattimani – Goalkeeper
15) Pratik Chaudhari – Defender
16) Steven Dias – Midfileder (Captain)
17) Thoi Singh – Midfileder
18) Munmun Singh – Defender
19) Kunal Sawant – Goalkeeper
20) Raegan Singh – Defender

Mumbai FC will be playing DSK Shivajians in the Maharashtra Derby on Sunday at Cooperage Stadium.