Mumbai City FC head coach Petr Kratky is excited ahead of his side’s next game as Mumbai City FC play Kerala Blasters FC in matchweek 11 of the Indian Super League (ISL) at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi on Sunday.

The Islanders currently sit in fourth position in the league table with 19 points from nine games. They have won games, drawn four and have not lost any game so far in the league this season.

Kerala Blasters FC sit in second position in the league table with 20 points from 10 games. They have won six games, drawn twice and lost twice so far this season.

Mumbai City FC ended the unbeaten run of Mohun Bagan Super Giant in their previous game with a 2-1 win. That win was also Kratky's first win as Mumbai City FC head coach.

Kratky understands the importance of those three points and wants his team to continue with their positive performance.

“The result was fantastic. Very important three points at home against very tough opponents,” Kratky stated in the pre-match press conference.

“It was a boost for the group. We just have to keep going and connect with that result for the next two games,” he added.

Four Mumbai City FC players received red cards in the game against Mohun Bagan Super Giant and all of them will miss their upcoming match against Kerala Blasters FC. Kratky however trusts in the squad at his disposal and is looking forward to see the performance of the players replacing the suspended ones.

“I am very happy with the squad we have. The people who are coming in have another opportunity,” he said.

“I am looking forward to seeing them play more than just 10 or 15 minutes, half an hour or 90 minutes,” he further said.

“They have the opportunity to show what they have to me,” he added.

Kratky expressed his excitement for the game against Kerala Blasters FC and appreciated the atmosphere that Kerala Blasters FC fans create in their home games.

“It is a special event in football. More fans in the stadium is better for everyone, for the league and for football in India,” Kratky said.

“I am looking forward to the game. The result against Mohun Bagan Super Giant was a boost for the group to make sure we perform well and get a result over there,” he added.

“We need to stick together. No matter what challenges we face, when we stick together, follow instructions and work hard, then everything else will fall in place,” he added.

Scottish forward Greg Stewart was among the four Mumbai City FC players who received red cards in the game against Mohun Bagan Super Giant. He has been one of the most creative players for the Islanders this season with three assists and two goals to his name so far.

Kratky acknowledged Stewart's ability but he also trusts in his side's strength in depth.

“We have good depth in the team. We have other creative players in the team,” he said.

“Greg (Stewart) is a good footballer but we have other creative players who are really good as well and they deserve the opportunity to show it,” he added.

Mumbai City FC is the only side to remain unbeaten so far this season along with FC Goa. Kratky credited his side's unbeaten record to the ability of the players. However, he does not want to dwell on records and data but focuses solely on the upcoming game.

“Records are there because the group is strong. We are not thinking about data and statistics. We are thinking about the next game,” Kratky said.

“As long as we do our best and the boys work hard and stick together, whatever happens on the pitch is secondary,” he further said.

“I believe that this group have the ability to take it to another level,” he added.

Kratky informed that apart from the four suspensions, everybody is fit and available to play.

We are ready: Sanjeev Stalin

Mumbai City FC player Sanjeev Stalin joined head coach Petr Kratky in the pre-match press conference. He has made one start for Mumbai City FC this season.

Stalin is appreciative of Kratky's work and his trust in youth players. He feels that Kratky’s footballing style is helping the players in a positive way.

“I love his work, the way he is treating each and every player in the field,” Stalin said.

“It is helping us. He is more engaged with youngsters who are the upcoming players of Mumbai City FC. We are happy working with him.” he added.

Stalin and the rest of the Mumbai City FC squad are motivated to play against Kerala Blasters FC.

“As players we love to play these kind of games,” he said.

“As a team we are focused and ready to try to get the three points to reach the top of the league,” he added.

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