Mumbai City FC head coach Petr Kratky lauded the team's resilience after the Islanders fought back in the second half to secure a 2-2 draw against Mohun Bagan Super Giant at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.

Although the visitors began the match with vigour, it was the Mariners who took an early lead with an own goal from Tiri. Alberto Rodriguez then extended their advantage before the half-hour mark.

Mumbai City FC responded with determination in the second half, as Tiri reduced the deficit before substitute Thaer Krouma delivered a clinical finish to level the score in the 90th minute.

The head coach commended the players for their remarkable character in securing a point after trailing by two goals, especially considering it was the first match of the season.

“Character is one of the important things we want in the changing room because there will be hard times during the season. But we have to keep working hard, and our quality will show in the end because I believe we have some quality in the team, which we showed it again,” Kratky said in the post-match press conference.

“I'm very proud of the boys again, especially in the first game of the season when you don’t know what to expect in terms of new players, characters, and Mohun Bagan SG (the opponent),” he said.

“Considering at all these factors, I’m very proud of the group. We just need to keep working on the small things,” Kratky added further.

Spanish attacking midfielder Jon Toral was handed his debut by the head coach but was substituted early in the first half, with Jeremy Manzorro coming on as his replacement. Manzorro was then substituted in the second half for Brandon Fernandes during the final stages of the match.

Kratky provided insight into the decisions behind substituting his two foreign midfielders.

“Jon (Toral) flagged some tightness in his leg, so it was precautionary to take him out. Players are humans, and we need to protect them. We are very proud of our communication with them, and their honesty helps us move forward. Toral didn’t feel 100%, so we substituted him with Jeremy Manzorro,” he explained.

“However, Jeremy (Manzorro) also missed a lot of pre-season. He is a very good player, but he is also coming back (after a while). That’s why there was another substitution for him as well,” Kratky added.

The visitors dominated most of the ball possession and registered more shots on goal than Mohun Bagan SG. Kratky provided further insights into the team’s performance in the match, highlighting their control of the game and the need to convert their chances into goals.

“I don’t think we deserved to lose today; we played some good football. But there are areas where we need to improve. We can’t afford to concede two goals. Mohun Bagan SG are a strong team, so I think it's a fair outcome for both sides for Matchweek 1,” Kratky stated.

Noufal PN was among the players making his ISL debut with Mumbai City FC on the night. The Kerala-born winger made a significant impact as a substitute, playing a crucial role in both goals and delivering the assist for the second.

"He is another exciting talent. His pace is amazing, he is a good footballer, and his attitude is great. We will give him an opportunity," Kratky commented.

  • "He had a very good pre-season, which is why we brought him to Mumbai City FC. I think he will be a good addition to the ISL, and Mumbai City FC will benefit from him this season," he added.

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