Football

‘It is a huge achievement for football in India’ – says Mumbai City FC boss Des

 

Indian Super League club Mumbai City FC finished their AFC Champions League campaign with a 1-0 win against the Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya as their group stage fixtures came to an end at the King Fahd International Stadium in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.

The Islanders finished with seven points in the second position only behind Saudi Arabia’s Al Shabab. Mumbai City FC became the most successful Indian club as they secured two wins in the Champions League but unfortunately won’t be able to progress to the knockouts due to inferior goal difference.

Speaking after the 1-0 win against the Air Force Club , head coach  Des Buckingham was very proud of the fight that the players showed in their last group stage game. “It was a very challenging game. And we knew it would be because they’re a wonderful team. It was the first time we played them to play six games in nineteen days, but to come away with a win and to the show the way that the players have played in the last six games, not just tonight, to come away from the Champions League, picking up seven points, scoring more goals than we ever have done. And to finish second in the group is a huge achievement, both for this football club and for football in India.”

Buckingham highlighted how they played a particular brand of football and never compromised it for something else. He feels that the players are good with the ball and brave against teams that are technically good. “We’ve shown throughout the first four games, in particular, how good the players can be with the ball, and how brave and good technically they can be against some wonderful opposition. And tonight, we’ve also shown that more so from a defensive point of view, how strong we can be if we stay connected and stay together,” Buckingham added.

The Englishman highlighted how there was a massive change in players and other personal. The team that qualified under Sergio Lobera and this team is not the same barring a few players. Buckingham shared how some of the experienced players in this team helped the youngsters to flourish at the biggest stage in Indian football.

“There was a big change of personnel, both player-wise and staff-wise from our team last year that qualified for this event. We lost a lot of experienced and senior players to the group. And I think the team has taken to the field tonight it’s a very young side.

Lastly the English tactician shared how he wants the team to develop this team more in the coming days as they already have a beautiful mix of youngsters and experienced players. “We want to really develop these young players and take the take them forwards. But we also need to be smart that how we do that because we have some wonderful experienced players at the club. They really helped nurture these young players and allow them to perform and do what they do on the field,” Buckingham concluded.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

DC-W vs MI-W WPL 2025 Final: Mumbai favourites with momentum on their side as DC-W look to succeed in third consecutive final

The Women’s Premier League 2025 final is here and these are two best teams in… Read More

March 14, 2025

Lakshya Sen Storms Into All England Open Quarter-Finals; Chirag-Satwik Withdraw Due to Injury

Indian badminton star Lakshya Sen continued his impressive run at the All England Open 2025,… Read More

March 14, 2025

Axar Patel Named Delhi Capitals Captain for IPL 2025

Delhi Capitals (DC) have appointed all-rounder Axar Patel as their new captain for the 2025… Read More

March 14, 2025

Kerala Blasters End Disappointing ISL Season, Shift Focus to Super Cup 2025

Kerala Blasters FC concluded their 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) campaign on a frustrating note,… Read More

March 14, 2025

TG Purushothaman says conversion is the problem after draw against Hyderabad FC

Kerala Blasters FC interim head coach TG Purushothaman shared his disappointment after a 1-1 draw… Read More

March 14, 2025

Rafael Nadal says women should earn more if they generate more

Rafael Nadal believes women should earn more if they generate more profit. Nadal said men… Read More

March 14, 2025