Lobera re-enacting dominance with visionary Mumbai City

Goa, January 01: When City Football Group invested in India, Mumbai City FC could have got anyone from its extensive network to helm the vision. However, Sergio Lobera emerged as the sensible option – a man who already had a grasp of the league, playing a substantial role in the rise of Indian football in the last couple of years. Three years of managing FC Goa had made Lobera synonymous with a specific style of play. The Spaniard’s philosophy comes from the same hymn sheet — possession, passing, the need to entertain. The only question, though, was whether he would be able to impose his vision on a new team, especially considering the shortened pre-season he had with them.

As the Hero Indian Super League heads into the new year, the answer to that question is a resounding yes. There were doubts raised when his heavily-fancied Mumbai team succumbed to NorthEast United on the opening day of the league. But Lobera has not lost in the league since. His Mumbai team sits second in the table with a game in hand over toppers ATK Mohun Bagan who lead them by just one point. Just below them with two points less is his former team Goa, who have played two games more. At this juncture, it would be a surprise if Mumbai were to miss out on the playoffs.

But even more impressive than where Mumbai sits on the table is how Lobera has got them playing. After seven games, they have most of the hallmarks of a Lobera side. They are yet to be dominated in terms of possession in any of the games that they have played. Domination is perhaps the only word that can do justice to the way they’ve held on to the ball in some of these games. Against Odisha FC, they saw 66 percent of the ball. Against Jamshedpur FC, the corresponding number was 64.

Mumbai are also outpassing the rest of the league. All their games have seen them weave together more passes than the opponents while completing at least 70 percent of their passes. Against Odisha, they managed to complete a staggering 490 passes, 81 percent of what they attempted. Only Lobera’s team Goa sit above them in terms of average passes per game. But when the two sides met, it was Mumbai who dominated the passing statistics.

The fact that Lobera has managed to get them playing this way in such a brief period of time is even more impressive when considering how Mumbai were playing last season. In 2019-20, the team’s passing statistics were the worst in the league, attempting just over 337 passes a game. And now, they are at the opposite end of the spectrum.

Of course, Lobera’s task was made a lot easier by the fact that the City Football Group, who took over Mumbai last year, backed him with all the players he needed. Both Hugo Boumous and Ahmed Jahouh, who worked with Lobera at both Moroccan club Moghreb Tetouan and Goa, followed him to Mumbai as well, as did a host of other Goa players. This influx of players, who were familiar with how Lobera played, arguably made it easier for him to impose his philosophy on Mumbai. Further additions like those of Adam Le Fondre and Cy Goddard made the Mumbai roster a truly intimidating one for opponents.

Of course, there are chinks to be ironed out for Lobera. Nothing exemplifies this better than the game against Jamshedpur. Mumbai dominated in every statistic — they had a man-advantage, 64 percent of the ball, and put in twice as many passes — but were still forced to settle for a point. For all the possession they had, Lobera’s players only managed to have four shots on target.

Once those chinks are ironed out, 2021 promises to be a fruitful one for both Lobera and Mumbai.

Credits: ISL Media

For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football

Also Read: We need to be prepared for everything- Sankarlal Chakraborty

Follow us on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football.

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…

Share

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…

Share

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.

Share

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…

Share

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…

Share

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…

Share

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…

Share

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…

Share

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…

Share

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…

Share