“This team has worked for 1 year 10 months together to mark their statement” Head Coach Of Mumbai City FC U19 – Mohan Dass

by Chittu Shetty March 25, 2024

In an Exclusive Interview with Mumbai City FC Coach Mohan Suresh Dass, we take a look into the Mumbai City FC U19’s triumphant journey in the MFA Super League

The electrifying fervor of football found its epicenter in Mumbai as Mumbai City FC’s U-19 squad clinched a resounding victory in the highly anticipated MFA Super League. In an exclusive interview with Coach Mohan Suresh Dass, we delve into the strategies, dedication, and sheer determination that propelled the team to this remarkable feat.

Youthful Triumph:

Coach Mohan Das reflects on the remarkable achievement of the U-19 squad, attributing their success to a blend of youthful exuberance, unwavering determination, and a strong winning mentality. “The triumph in the MFA Super League not only showcased their talent but also underscored their potential to dominate the Indian footballing landscape.”

When asked about standout players in the team, Coach Mohan Das “emphasizes the importance of a cohesive unit rather than individual brilliance”. He highlights the playing attitude and winning mentality instilled in the squad, crediting the collective effort of every player for their victory. “For me, Players playing for the team is the ultimate success, if they achieve this mentality at a early age they can pursue plenty.”

Team Behind the Team:

Behind every successful team lies a dedicated support system, and Coach Mohan Das acknowledges the crucial role played by the technical staff, including Manish K (GK Coach), Simon(S&C coach), Dr. Priyam & Dr. Sanket (Physio’s), Kishan (Kit Manager), Manager Ahbaan & Aditya & fostering support from Dinesh Nair(Academy Director MCFC). Their unwavering commitment to the development of young talent has been instrumental in shaping the team’s identity and fostering a culture of excellence.

Scouting and Preparation:

The journey to victory began with meticulous scouting and extensive preparation. Coach Mohan Das “emphasizes the importance of identifying talent with technical prowess, tactical acumen, and, most importantly, a strong winning mentality”. Through professional training and a long-term development process, the team honed their skills and prepared rigorously for the challenges ahead.

Preparation:

Mumbai City FC head Coach Mohan Das emphasized the extensive preparation his players have undergone, stating, “This team has spent nearly two years together, focusing on our philosophy and style of play. We have meticulously outlined the roles and responsibilities of each player in various aspects of the game – attacking, defending, transition, and set pieces. Our training sessions have been dedicated to developing individual skills, enhancing group cohesion, and fostering a winning mentality, especially considering our U-19 squad.”

He further highlighted the team’s journey, stating, “We began our journey by winning the Independence Cup in 2022 and subsequently participated in the MFA Super Division 2022-23. Although we showcased promising performances on the field, we fell short of qualifying from the group stage, finishing fourth in the table. However, we remain committed to our long-term process, emphasizing patience and belief in our players. We continue to dedicate ourselves to training and development, striving for improvement with each session.”

Competition & Placed in MFA Supper Div Group C 23-24:

Reflecting on Group C, which posed a formidable challenge with its physically strong and experienced teams like Tarun SC, IOT, United Village WA, Mumbai Strikers, MSP, Young Guns, and Charkop, Mumbai City FC’s Coach emphasized their meticulous preparation helped them in the campaign. “Despite the team being comprised of 18 and 19-year-old players, we approached each match with a strong winning mentality and that’s the Key.” said Mohan.

“Our players demonstrated the best performance, exhibiting the right attitude and executing our plans meticulously, which were honed during training sessions,” said the Coach. “Our winning start to the season boosted the team’s confidence, propelling us forward stronger in the league.”

The team’s impressive performance in the group stage saw them secure 30 points from 12 games, with 9 wins and 2 draws. Their attacking prowess was evident as they scored 43 goals, showcasing the quality of their midfielders and strikers. Equally noteworthy was their defensive solidity, conceding just 3 goals throughout the campaign, a testament to the team’s defensive quality.

“It’s a testament to the technical staff and the team’s attitude, both on and off the pitch, that enabled us to qualify from the challenging Group C and finish at the top of the table,” the Coach concluded.

Super Six Round:

Looking ahead to the next phase, which presents a more challenging competition as the top two teams from each group qualify, the Coach highlighted the thorough planning and preparation undertaken by Mumbai City FC. Despite the formidable opponents they faced, such as Bombay Gym, IOT, and Orange FC, the team remained undeterred, relying on their meticulous planning, training, and unwavering belief in their players.

“Our biggest challenge came during the 12th Boards exams, where education remained our top priority within the club,” said the Coach. “During this period, we managed to maintain the players’ match fitness without disrupting their education. I must commend the parents and players for their positive approach and professionalism in balancing their academic and athletic commitments.”

Emphasizing the adaptability and understanding of the team’s philosophy and style, the Coach noted, “We made sure the players comprehended our philosophy and style, making it easier for them to adapt. This flexibility allowed us to switch positions seamlessly, ensuring the team remained cohesive and effective on the field.”

The team’s performance in the Super Six phase was a testament to their dedication and preparation, with four wins and one draw out of five games. “Starting with a win of considerable margin in the Super Six phase boosted the team’s morale,” the Coach remarked. “Throughout the matches, the players executed our strategies flawlessly, resulting in an unbeaten streak of 17 games and clinching the MFA Super Division Championship.”

This remarkable achievement in the Super 6 Playoff round, with 13 points from 5 games, 4 wins, 1 draw, 19 goals scored, and just 2 goals conceded, underscores the team’s exceptional performance and resilience throughout the campaign.

Looking Ahead:

As the dust settles on their triumphant campaign, Coach Das sets his sights on the future.

“The success we’ve achieved is a testament to the collective effort of all 24 players, who stood united in pursuit of our shared goal. Individually and as a team, each player contributed to their responsibilities whenever called upon during matches.

By committing ourselves to the process day in and day out, we’ve proven that with patience, trust, and belief in ourselves, our players, and our team, any goal can be attained. As we look ahead, our next goal is to work even harder in the upcoming season with these young talents, whom I consider my ‘Rising Heroes,’ as we strive to compete in the Elite Division.”

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