The defending champions Mumbai City FC head coach Petr Kratky was delighted with the team’s performance after a goalless draw against Hyderabad FC at the GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium, Hyderabad in the ongoing Indian Super League on Wednesday.
Kratky reckons his team had their chances to score but they could not grab them. The Islanders dominated the possession with 64.6% and took eight shots on target but could not find the back of the net.
“I believe we should have won. We (almost) scored in the first half and then we pushed; we had a lot of chances to score. Hyderabad FC also created clear chances to score goals. In my opinion, we played a very good game. We worked hard, the boys gave their maximum, but today wasn’t our day. Sometimes, the result doesn’t go your way, but we need to build on the positives,” Kratky said in the post-match press conference.
Kratky admitted that Hyderabad FC have troubled the oppositions in the recent matches but they were the better team against them.
“For me, we won the game. It was a very good performance against a team that has troubled other sides. If you look at Hyderabad FC’s recent performances, they have caused problems for many teams. I don’t think they did that to us. We played good football, implemented our strategies, and created chances. But we go again in the next game. We have to learn why we are not scoring and how we can create more chances and be more dominant,” he said.
He added: “In the second half, he (Singh) was brilliant. He was fantastic. He made great saves. When the opposition’s goalkeeper wins the Player of the Match award, it shows that you did something right, but at the same time, you need to finish your chances. As coaches, we aim to put players in positions where they can score. After that, it’s a bit of luck, form, and execution. The players tried their best, but unfortunately, the goal didn’t come. Still, it was a positive performance for me.”
Meanwhile, Lallianzuala Chhangte played his 100th game for Mumbai City FC and the gaffer showered praise on the winger.
“He’s brilliant. He is a great athlete and a true professional. He works extremely hard on and off the pitch. He is a great leader, and you can see that he never stops fighting and working for the team. That’s brilliant. I’m very happy for him, and hopefully, there is more to come from him — not just for us, but for the whole country,” Kratky stated.
Mumbai City FC will next take on Mohun Bagan Super Giant at the Mumbai Football Arena, Mumbai on 1st March.
