Mumbai City FC will face Sergio Lobera's Odisha FC at the Mumbai Football Arena on Monday during Matchweek 21 of the Indian Super League (ISL), with a final-like mentality according to Islanders head coach Petr Kratky.

Petr Kratky’s Mumbai City FC continue their imperious reign atop the ISL points table as we approach the end of the league stage. They have been dominant so far, with 44 points from an impressive 13 wins and five draws, placing them two points ahead of the second-placed Mohun Bagan Super Giant. With only a couple of matches left to play, the Islanders are in a strong position to win this season's Shield. Meanwhile, Sergio Lobera's Odisha FC is not far behind in fourth place, having secured 39 points from 11 wins and six draws in their 20 games. The Kalinga Warriors will also be fighting to stay alive in the Shield competition.

At the beginning of the press conference, head Coach Kratky addressed the media and provided a detailed insight into how the Islanders are planning to approach the business end of the season.

"Every game is now a big game but we approach it the same way. We prepare well, train well and our processes stay the same regardless of who we play. So, we just want to do well," he said during the press conference.

"We want to be together and fight for us, the team and the club. This is the mentality that we want to maintain. So we train well, stick together, and work hard," He added.

The Australian provided his preview and analysis of their upcoming Shield clash against Odisha FC guided by Sergio Lobera.

"Odisha FC is one of the best teams. We know how they play and they are a real quality team. The last two games are the most difficult ones against the top two. We are excited about these games and we will know after these games whether we are up there or not. We have to respect their quality and play with no fear because even we have the quality. We have to be aware of their strengths and expose their weaknesses," the coach said.

Kratky emphasised the importance of enjoying the moment and acknowledged that winning the Shield would be an important achievement.

He stated, "We need to enjoy the moment. The players have done very well to get to this stage, so they have already succeeded. Now it's about the cherry on the top about who can make it to the end. If you believe in your processes and keep at it, you always get what you deserve."

Mehtab Singh: Every season we want to be champions and win the Shield

Mehtab Singh joined head coach Petr Kratky during the pre-match press conference ahead of their crucial match against Odisha FC.

Singh has been a key player for Mumbai City FC this season, featuring in almost all but two of their matches so far. He has been instrumental in the team's defence, helping them keep three clean sheets and making 18 advantageous interceptions along with seven vital blocks. Singh also made a significant contribution to the team's attack, scoring a goal and providing an assist.

Mumbai City FC's talented defender, Singh, opened up about the team's objectives, targets, and atmosphere in the Islander's camp for the remaining season.

"Our first aim is to remain solid and make no mistakes in defence. So we train hard and try to remain focussed for the full ninety minutes. If we can do that then it helps us a lot to get the win," he confirmed.

"Every season we want to be champions and win the Shield. There are players in our squad who have already won the Shield but we never felt a lack of hunger to win. Everyone has the same desire to win," he added.

The 25-year-old provided his insights and thoughts on the upcoming match against Odisha FC, which will be a crucial step in the team's journey towards staying alive in the Shield battle.

"Odisha FC are a strong team. They have good foreign players and even the Indian players have done well this season. The coach is top too. It's a very important match for us. We have prepared for their forwards with the help of the coach. We know how they play and what are their strengths. We have done our analysis and will play accordingly." He stated as the press conference came to an end.