Mumbai City FC star player Lallianzuala Chhangte believes it is possible for the Islanders to finish as ‘Invincibles’

It has been a season of resurgence and one man who has turned it around in Mumbai City FC jersey has to be Lallianzuala Chhangte as he simply cannot stop scoring goals. He has become one of the pivotal figures in attack for the club alongwith Bipin Singh in a season where Des Buckingham’s men are looking to break every record possible in the Indian Super League.

Chhangte has scored eight goals in 15 games this season as the Islanders ride high in terms of results. He is currently the highest Indian goalscorer and is only behind teammate Jorge Pereyra Diaz and East Bengal’s Cleiton Silva in the golascorer’s leaderboard.

“I have been working really hard since the start of the season. Even during the off season, I have been working really hard. Never had a day off. I think that works well. Without my teammates, I wouldn’t do anything so credit to them as well,” stated the Mizoram based winger to the official league website as Mumbai City FC look to create history.

He joined the club initially in January of the 2021-22 season and then he joined the club permanently in the summer. Chhangte’s ability to dribble past opponent’s defenders and positioning was never questioned as it was always his area of strength. But scoring goals consistently was genuinely an area where he knew he had to work a lot on. He used to miss easy chances while playing for Chennaiyin FC. However under Des Buckingham’s leadership, Chhangte looks like a changed man. The Englishman has given him confidence to express himself and his shooting technique looks a lot more polished than before.

He proved his worth even before the start of this ISL season , he was very impressive in the AFC Champions League as Buckingham led the Islanders to an unprecedented 2nd position finish. He also ended the Durand Cup as the highest goalscorer before entering the business end of the season. He shared how City Football Group’s takeover changed the playing style for the club and it suits his gameplay aswell. He highlighted how sometimes he needs to track back but he is used to doing it and now enjoys it.

“Since the takeover of Mumbai City FC by the City Football Group, the playing style has gone to the next level. We want to play from the back and want to attack as well. That suits my style of play. Of course, defending is very important too and I have to come back a lot of times. I have to help the team. But I enjoy what we are doing right now and it’s really important we keep going until the end of the season,” he added.

Speaking about the difference in his approach especially in front of goal, Chhangte shared the confidence that Des Buckingham gives to him which has only helped him improve as a finisher.

“When you have a coach that trusts you and encourages you to keep on attempting the ball, you have confidence. It’s important that I keep trying even though I have missed a lot of chances. It’s important that I keep trying and trying again, and one day the goals will come, like it has this season,” said Chhangte who has racked up four assists alongside eight goals this season, setting a personal record.

The Islanders are currently within touching distance of the ISL Winner’s Shield as they are four points clear of second placed Hyderabad FC and are also unbeaten till now in the current season. Therefore talk of finishing the league phase as invincibles often rise up and Chhangte feels it is definitely possible.

“It’s possible (to finish the season unbeaten), we will try our best. Let’s see what will happen at the end of the season,” he concluded.