ISL 2024-25: Petr Kratky urges his players to learn after loss against NorthEast United FC

Mumbai City FC head coach Petr Kratky has urged his players to learn from their mistakes after a 3-0 loss against NorthEast United FC at the Mumbai Football Arena, Mumbai in the ongoing Indian Super League on Monday.

The Highlanders’ talismanic striker Alaaeddine Ajaraie continued his purple patch, scoring in the first 45 seconds of the match and Kratky said they were prepared for the transition goal from the opposition but could not execute their plans.

The Moroccan forward scored a brace whereas Nickson also scored in the 86th minute to give all three points to the visitors.

Petr Kratky said in the post-match presentation, “When we look at the game backwards and do our jobs as coaches in terms of preparation, we know that NorthEastUnited FC scored 15 goals in transition. And today, they scored another three in transition, and the first one was in 45 seconds,” he noted. “So, we prepared for that, but again, we need to be focused more on maybe the details of what actually can happen and how often it can happen in our squad. So, we need to learn from it. Me, as a coach, I’m reflecting on myself first.”

The Islanders had four clean sheets in their last four games but their defense could not bring their best against NorthEast United FC.

Kratky admitted, “It is harder because they (NorthEastUnited FC) play away, you score a goal. And they’re a good team, so they’re in the top six. They have strength, they have quality. But it’s always tough with us. Our preparation, focus, what can happen to us and how quickly. So it’s always setbacks. We don’t want to concede. We have four clean sheets for a reason. And today we conceded three goals for a reason. So we have to look at the details of the play, what went wrong all of a sudden. Again, if it’s personal or if it’s just an attitude, preparation, what is it.”

Kratky also highlighted the defensive struggles of the team and urged not toblame TP Rehenesh, the goalkeeper “Today, he saved the penalty. He’s a good keeper, we know that. Unfortunately, he conceded three goals, but it was a team effort. I never blame only goalkeepers, so it’s a team effort. How we defend, how we come back. So, you know, he’s a good goalkeeper like Phurba Lachenpa is. I’m glad I have two, so now they can push each other. So we will see what happens next game. But again, I think he had a good game. We need to support him. He’s a good goalkeeper. So we will see what the future brings.”

Mumbai City FC will next take on East Bengal FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata on Monday.