Mumbai City FC’s chances of making the 2015 Hero Indian Super League semi-finals were dealt a hammer blow in the wake of a 2-0 defeat by NorthEast United FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Friday evening. Marquee player-cum-coach Nicolas Anelka addressed the media after his side’s fifth loss in 11 matches and cut a disappointed figure.When asked what he thought of the penalty that put the Highlanders ahead in 41st minute, Anelka said: “I was too far to see whether it was a penalty or not. The referee said it was a penalty and it’s a decision we must respect. It was difficult for me to see if it was a penalty or not but it was given and it’s too late to speak about that.”Mumbai’s recent run has seen them take just two points out of a possible 15. Asked if there was a Plan B to turn the team’s fortunes around, Anelka replied: “As I have stated earlier we can’t change the formation, so it’s going to be the same. I tried to pick the best squad. I don’t have a lot of players and I don’t have a lot of quality. I try to do the best I can with the players that I have.”Anelka also assessed his own performance. “I feel better on the pitch even though I have a small problem in my leg. I was injured for almost a month. The more games I play, the better I feel on the pitch. Today I am happy with my performance even though maybe I should’ve scored.”
