Jorge Costa – “Mumbai City FC had a wonderful game”
For the first time in their 6 years of existence, team Mumbai City FC defeated Kerala Blasters FC at their backyard in Kochi in front of the roaring Manjappada fans!
Mumbai City FC began their Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2019-20 campaign with a win over Kerala Blasters on Thursday night. Kerala Blasters emerged victorious against ATK the other day coming from behind courtesy to Ogbeche’s brace at Kochi.
However, Mumbai City’s new signing, Amine Chermiti ensured Islanders all three points at the opponent’s backyard via his lethal strike at the fag end of the match. It was a tight fixture with both sides failing to make the most out of their opportunities until Chermiti connected with a Sauvik Chakrabarti cross deep into the second half.
Following the victory, the Islanders boss, Jorge Costa attended the post-match press conference and weighed in with his views on the game. He claimed that Mumbai City FC played a wonderful game. “From what I remember of the game, we had more of the ball, we had more opportunities to score and we did our job.” said the Head Coach, Jorge Costa.
The Portuguese coach then insisted that the result was even more significant considering the loss of Mato Grgic and Paulo Machado towards the end of the first-half due to injuries. “We lost two players, two important players. But we still scored and in the last minute, they had a huge opportunity to finish the game 1-1. But if I remember, it was the only opportunity they had in the game. So, I think it’s a fair result, and it’s very important.”
When asked to explain Modou Sougou’s absence from the starting line-up, Costa stated, “Sougou was injured for a long time. He is coming back from an injury. I have 25 players and I trust all of them. Next game in Chennai, I don’t know what will happen. Today it was the first game and I had the support of the dressing room. One thing is sure, we will be there to fight for the three points as always.”
Blasters boss, Eelco Schattorie, meanwhile, accepted full responsibility for the loss and said, “I take full responsibility for the loss. I made two perfect changes and my third change was not a good change. I was hesitating to make that substitution. My other two changes were perfect. Messi (Bouli) changed the game. (Rahul) KP changed the game. Overall, before the game, I would have signed up for a point.”
Counting the injury problems plaguing his side as an unwanted distraction, Schattorie said, “We have a lot of problems regarding my left centre-back (Jairo Rodrigues). He played with two injections. My other centre-back (Gianni Zuiverloon) is not fully fit. The fluidity was not there. We didn’t play the football that I like to play. But I give the boys full compliments for wanting to fight. They still want to go forward. It’s a very painful loss. I went for the three points in the end, but that cost me.”
Finally, the Dutchman extended his support to Bilal Husain Khan, who once again had an uncertain night between the Blasters posts. “He is a giant, a mountain at the back. If a player needs to play, I give him full confidence. He is with the team and you support everybody. The problem is Shibinraj (Kunniyil) and Bilal have never had any goalkeeping coach before. I think (tonight was) a good experience for him,” said the 47-year-old.
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
We would love to hear your Feedback on your Football Counter experience
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football.
I-League 2: Mumbai Derby turns into a Survival Race Between MH Oranje FC and Kenkre FC.
The final matchday of the I-League 2 is set for an intense showdown as MH Oranje FC takes on Kenkre FC in the Mumbai derby. The match, scheduled for 27th…
Bengaluru FC’s focus on youth football is the reason behind our success in the RFDL: Coach Bibiano Fernandes
Mumbai, April 25: For the third season in a row, Bengaluru FC have qualified for the National Championship of the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL). The Blues are two-time defending…
Chembur United – JFC ride on Pradnesh’s late stunner to beat Carmelites FC 1-0.
In a thrilling MFA 1st Div encounter between Chembur United (JupiterFC) and Carmelites FC, the game saw both teams create several scoring opportunities, but a late goal by Chembur United…
Rahul Bheke: Players from the Reliance Foundation Development League are performing really well in the ISL
Mumbai, 26 April, 2024: Mumbai City FC captain Rahul Bheke has appreciated the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) for building a channel of players for Indian Super League (ISL) clubs…
AIFF Records Historic Rise in Women’s Footballers
~ President Kalyan Chaubey credits it to the introduction of ‘IWL-2’, – a second tier competition to professionalise women’s football ~ A ‘home-and-away’ format for top tier and availability of…
Mohun Bagan Super Giant produce magnificent triumph to storm into second straight ISL final after 2-0 win against Odisha FC
Kolkata, April 28: Mohun Bagan Super Giant emerged triumphant against the Odisha FC by 2-0 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata tonight to win the second leg of their…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / MFA Super League
Redefining Mumbai Football: The unique approach of India On Track FC
In a football landscape where clubs often prioritize short-term success over long-term sustainability, India On Track FC (IOT FC) stands out as a beacon of dedication, unity, and unwavering commitment…
Mumbai City FC ease past FC Goa to set up blockbuster grand finale clash against ISL Champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mumbai, April 29: Mumbai City FC set up a finals date with the Mohun Bagan Super Giant after defeating FC Goa by 2-0 in the second leg of their semi-final…
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…