Mumbai City FC head coach Petr Kratky displayed confidence in his players for the challenges ahead, as they take on Punjab FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on Saturday.

The Islanders are currently placed in the third spot, bagging 32 points in 16 matches. Kratky’s men have managed to get 10 out of 12 possible points in their last four matches. They will be determined to secure three crucial points against the Shers to continue their chase for the ISL League Shield with Odisha FC and Mohun Bagan SG ahead of them in the table.

Punjab FC are also finding their rhythm in the ISL as the season moves forward as they have won three out of their last four matches played in February. 

Kratky also acknowledged his opponent’s strengths and is anticipating a tough outing against the Shers in an away fixture. 

“Punjab are a very good team. They are strong at home, and we are fully aware of that,” he said in the pre-match press conference.

“But I believe in our ability and our players. It will be a good game again. We are aware of Punjab FC’s quality, but I have full confidence in our group as well,” he added.

The Czeck-Australian head coach urged his players to stay focused on their game and carry forward their performance in their upcoming matches.

“Same as how we approach every month and every game. February was very good, except for the Jamshedpur FC match, where we had a hiccup, but after that, the team got together and worked very well. We just have to keep going,” he commented.

The Slovenian forward Luka Majcen has six goals and an assist in the ISL 2023–24 season. French attacking midfielder Madih Talal has netted three goals and provided five assists thus far in the ongoing season. The Mumbai City FC head coach had words of praise for his opponent’s offensive duo but urged his players to stay committed to their game.

“They (Luka Majcen and Madih Talal) are good players,” he stated.

“They also need support from their teammates, but we know their quality. We just have to be ready for that and be focused on ourselves,” he signed off.

We are focusing more on ourselves: Mehtab Singh

 

Defender Mehtab Singh, who accompanied his head coach in the press conference, is also expecting a challenging game against Punjab FC. Notably, the Punjab-born footballer has committed eight successful tackles and made 13 interceptions so far this season. 

Sharing his thoughts ahead of their next game, Singh said,

“It will be a tough game (against Punjab FC). It’s an away game. They are doing well and won their last match.”

"They have also settled themselves. We are focusing more on ourselves and how we should approach the game. We’ll give our best,” he concluded.

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Mumbai City FCPunjab FC2023-2024