In conversation with Mumbai Strikers Coach Sandeep Singh
To come all the way from Third Division to the top-flight of Mumbai Football is a huge thing. Mumbai Strikers went against all the odds to finish 9th in the Elite Division table after spending much of their time at the bottom of the table. The newly-promoted side was winless in the first half of the season but everything changed at the beginning of 2018. It was against a strong Western Railway side where they turn their season on its head after a deserving win. The Strikers never looked back since. Their Coach Sandeep Singh discusses what went inside and outside the Mumbai Strikers dressing room in an exclusive conversation.
“We were competing against teams with a much bigger budget and experience at the top level. We knew that we will be fighting for survival. So the target was to achieve 10 points in order to stay safe,” cited Mumbai Strikers Coach Sandeep Singh when asked about the target before the season began.
Talking about the expectations, he said: “There was an anxious excitement leading to the season. Although, high on the enthusiasm, we lacked experience as most of our players had never played in the Elite Division before. Also, the coach who got us here, Firmin D’Souza, had to leave after 4 years because of other commitments. We would like to thank him for what he did for us.”
This is an essential point here. Over the years, the promoted sides have always managed to struggle in front of the big dogs, largely due to experience to play at the top level and most importantly, the budget. Considering all the points above, it is quite fair to say that the Mumbai Strikers’ players and management did a fantastic job to ensure the club’s survival.
With a relatively inexperienced coach and team, the idea was to prepare thoroughly and give our all for each game. We knew that we have an advantage as our team has not changed much over the years and players were willing to give their best for the team. The expectation was to maximise the potential, play to our strengths and prove to ourselves that we belong at this level,” the coach added.
Mumbai Strikers had a horrendous start. In their very first game of the season, they were up against the defending champions Air India. It didn’t end the way Mumbai Strikers hoped for. “We had to play our first match against the reigning champions of Mumbai, Air India, who are a class apart even in this division. Losing 8-1 was a humbling experience.”
“The quality of opposition and the intensity of the game at this level is markedly different than the Super Division. It is not easy to raise the bar right from the go. It took us some time to adapt. I mentioned earlier, that we had a change of coaches. Players needed time to adjust to the new regime and style of coaching,” Coach Sandeep added where he spoke about the bad start at the start of the season.
“Playing one way for four years and changing suddenly is not easy, we suffered because of it. But the team never lost belief, our players kept training hard despite the setbacks. We knew that we are not far away from the required standard. With time, players started understanding our system of play much better, we increased the work rate required, which started showing in the games as well. The win against Western Railway was the turning point for us. It confirmed that we are on the right track.”
Talking about the Elite Division experience, Sandeep Singh said: “We had worked hard to reach this stage, it was a dream for most of our players to reach the division to prove that they can compete with the best in Mumbai. The experience was exhilarating and educative as well, we made a lot of mistakes and learnt from them which will help us moving forward.” This has surely laid the foundation for Mumbai Strikers in terms of a long future. It is only after such immense experience, the players develop into a great one.
When asked about the objectives for next season, Coach Sandeep said: “We are a team which is still in transition. We would like to build on what we achieved last season. The upcoming season will be more challenging than last as we won’t have the novelty factor on our side anymore. We have to be more proactive with the ball. We allowed most teams to have the majority of possession which we would like to change next season. Game management has to improve. We need to take more initiative in terms of our attacking play and as well as control the games better when in lead.”
Mumbai Strikers has bid farewell to two of their instrumental players this season including their Captain. “Few of our players are leaving the country. Our Captain & Centre Back, Arnold has moved to Canada, while our forward, Arsalan has moved to Dubai. We thank and wish them all the best.”
The Strikers are currently looking to find their replacements and add a couple of more players to strengthen their squad for the next season. ” We need to find the replacement for both of them. Most probably, we will have to find a solution within the team. We are also on the lookout for a Controlling Midfielder. We understand that we can’t compete with other teams in terms of resources & can’t sign experienced players so we ought to be more innovative with our approach to growth. It has to be more organic,” the Strikers gaffer concluded.
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…
Battle lines drawn as 20 clubs gear up for the National Group Stage of Reliance Foundation Development League 2024
Mumbai, April 11: The Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) 2024 has reached a pivotal moment as the Regional Qualifiers conclude, paving the way for an intense National Group Stage. This will take…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…