Mumbai City FC’s recovery after a couple of early season setbacks has been one of the biggest stories in Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2018-19. In fourth with 17 points on board already, the Islanders are well placed to make this season’s playoffs. Next up for Jorge Costa’s men is a home tie against defending champions, Chennaiyin FC.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, the Portuguese brushed aside any suggestions of complacency from within his squad. “In my opinion, they (Chennaiyin) are one of the best teams we have in the league with very good players and a very good coach with a lot of players. They are not doing very well in the league, but they are one of the best teams the league has,” he said.

Costa then confirmed that he had a full squad to choose from. The Portuguese went on to add that although his players won their last match against Delhi Dynamos FC, there was still room for a lot of improvement. “The game had different parts. In the first half, we were not so good. We were not in the game. We were sleeping and were not focused enough. At halftime, we changed somethings and we were better. The things that we saw in the second half is the team that I want to see in every game for 90 minutes. The three points were very important points for us. We went there to fight for the three points. We came back home with the three points. So, we are happy,” Costa said.

Since the crushing defeat away to FC Goa, the Islanders have gone on to collect 13 points from a possible 15 to climb into the playoff spots. However, Costa insisted that he was always of the belief that his players would come good given enough time. “Since the beginning, we changed a lot of things compared to last season. For me, for all the foreigners except Lucian Goian and Matias Mirabaje, it was all new. So, we needed time to adapt to this new reality and it was not easy because the level of the league is very good. We needed that time to adapt. Now we don’t have excuses. We now know what to do. We have to keep working and fighting for the three points,” he opined.

Costa eventually concluded his conference by stressing that he was keeping his options open for the upcoming transfer window. “I’m happy with my team. I’m happy with my work. I’m happy with the work of all the people that directly or indirectly work in the club. But always I want more. So, if there is any possibility, we will do it,” he commented.

Click here to read the match preview