Mumbai City FC begin their Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2019-20 campaign away to Kerala Blasters at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on Thursday. Jorge Costa’s men had a successful run in the league last season, as they reached the semi-finals and produced some eye-catching performances.

The aim for Hero ISL 2019-20 will be to, at least, replicate those levels, with stopper Amrinder Singh reiterating that fact in an exclusive interview with indiansuperleague.com. Here are the excerpts:

What are the expectations of Mumbai City FC in the 2019-20 Hero ISL season?

Of course, expectations are high, because last season we did well under head coach (Jorge Costa). We hope to do the same this year as well. The main thing is that all the players in the team understand what the coach wants on the field. The biggest plus point is that everyone knows the coach's plan and playing style. So, I think it's an advantage for us that we are continuing under the same coach this season.

Mumbai City FC beat Kerala Blasters 6-1 in the last meeting. Does it boost the confidence ahead of the match?

I don't think last season's result matters. It's a new season, they (Kerala Blasters FC) have a new team, a new coach and they play with a different plan. I think we are ready. We had a good pre-season. We had a lot of time to prepare, so we made the most of it. Now we will go and give our best.

Does Kerala winning their first match affect the Mumbai City FC approach?

We are more focused on our own plans. We have an advantage that we know how they play. The first match is always difficult. In the last five years, whenever I have played the first match, I didn't know how the opposition is playing. This time around, we have watched them once and know how they play. So, that is a little plus point for us. And I feel we are ready for the match.

Which new Mumbai City FC signing has impressed you the most?

Both our defenders have changed. Many foreign players have also changed. I have developed a good understanding with Sarthak (Golui) and Mato (Grgic). I felt as if they were a part of the team last season. It was very easy for me to connect with them.

Any breakthrough players expected from Mumbai City FC this season?

I think there are a lot of youngsters in our team. I have seen them give their best on the field. There's Raynier (Fernandes), Sarthak (Golui), Pranjal (Bhumij) and Vignesh (Dakshinamurthy). They all give their best in training and coach (Jorge Costa) also likes their hard-working attitude. So, I only wish that they all do well this year.

On your battle with Gurpreet Singh Sandhu for the Golden Glove award.

I can only improve if there is tough competition. Last season, we kept a good number of clean sheets and the team also performed well. It's time for a new season now. I always want to get the three points, whether it is with a clean sheet or without it. I don't think much about keeping a clean sheet. Whatever happens, I want the team to take home the three points. There is competition and I always try to give my best on the field as well as in training.

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